Dutton must come clean on asbestos border control

Queensland is calling on Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton to publicly release a review of Australia’s asbestos border control management, following two serious asbestos incidents on opposite sides of the country this week.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace has written to Mr Dutton demanding the immediate release of the report, which the federal government has kept secret since it was completed in March.

“This week alone, deadly asbestos fibres have been detected on major building sites in Brisbane and Perth, putting workers’ health at risk,” she said.

“Asbestos shouldn't be getting into the country in the first place, let alone ending up on major building sites.”

“The Federal Government knows this is a problem because it announced a review of Australia’s asbestos border control management in February this year.”

“The report considered a range of issues including how the Australian Border Force receives and manages referrals or complaints, how it tests imported products, engages with overseas customs agencies and shares information globally.”

“For the Federal Government to be suppressing this report, given this week’s events, is simply outrageous.”

“What have they got to hide?”

“Peter Dutton talks tough on border protection, but he doesn’t walk the walk when it comes to stopping deadly asbestos entering the country.”

Ms Grace said Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspectors had now begun an investigation into the asbestos incident at 1 William Street.

“Workers are back on the job at 1 William Street, but WHSQ is now investigating and we will not hesitate to prosecute Yuanda if any State laws have been breached,” she said.

“Asbestos has been banned in all States and Territories since 2003 – it has no place in Queensland, let alone on busy construction sites teeming with workers.

“We’ll pursue any company that imports deadly asbestos which threatens the health of Queenslanders.”

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548