Gilly supports efforts to rid family home of asbestos

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Grace Grace today met with a Brisbane family who lost their son to mesothelioma to highlight the importance of asbestos safety.

Ms Grace was joined by Asbestos Awareness Ambassador and rugby league legend Trevor Gillmeister as professional asbestos removalists and tradies worked together to remove asbestos from the family’s home.

“Julie and Don Sager lost their son Adam to mesothelioma when he was just 25 years old because years earlier as a toddler he was exposed to asbestos fibres while they were renovating their home,” Ms Grace said.

“The Sagers don’t want other families to go through what they’ve experienced, which is why they’ve worked tirelessly ever since to raise awareness about asbestos safety.

“They now want to let other families know how to treat asbestos safely, particularly people who are thinking of working on homes built before 1990.

“Like Trevor Gillmesiter, who lost his father to mesothelioma, the Sagers have produced an awareness film about losing their loved one to mesothelioma.

“The efforts of the Sagers and Gilly have raised awareness about asbestos safety and helped save the lives of others.

“I want to thank them for their important contribution and I’d also like to thank the contractors and professional asbestos removalists who are giving up their valuable time to help the Sager family today.”

The films ‘Losing breath – The Adam Sager story’ and ‘Dear Dad’ can be seen at www.qld.gov.au/asbestos.

The Asbestos Diseases Support Society can be contacted on 1800 776 412 and the Asbestos Industry Association on 07 3870 5561.

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548