Asbestos and the NBN rollout – could it be a disaster waiting to happen?

As the National Broadband Network continues to roll out across the country, experts are fearful of the disturbance of asbestos in key areas. Asbestos has already been found in many pits and pipelines being worked on by NBN technicians and it is believed this will continue. With the possibility of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency being abolished by the Commission of Audit, supporters are worried what effect this will have on the continuing NBN work.

Danger of Asbestos

With a long history in Australia, the damage of asbestos is not unknown. Causing a number of fatal diseases and affecting thousands of people, asbestos has already caused pain to many Australian families. However, it has also not been widely publicised in recent years since the banning of the substance. With the NBN rollout resulting in possible exposure to workers and residents, this could be a bigger issue once more.

Experts say support is essential to ensuring Australians are safe from asbestos exposure and get the right treatment if affected. The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, organised by the government just last year, is an important part of this. Without the independent safety agency, the future of their national action plan on asbestos safety and eradication and the creation and maintenance of Australia’s first National Asbestos Exposure Register is under threat. This could mean asbestos is a more serious threat to people across the country.

Asbestos support group

Asbestos has and will affect thousands of people in Australia. Asbestos Support and assistance is essential to tackling the problem. To find out more about the NBN rollout or the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, get in touch with the Asbestosis and Mesothelioma Association of Australia by filling in an online enquiry form today.