Dutton fails Queensland on deadly asbestos imports

A shocking report supressed for five months shows the Turnbull Government is failing to stem the flow of deadly asbestos into Australia, and ultimately onto Queensland construction sites including 1 William Street.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said the Turnbull Government had put the lives of Queensland construction workers at risk by keeping the damning report secret for five months.

“Now we know why Peter Dutton has been hiding this report for so long – it shows he has failed in his role as Border Protection Minister,” she said.

“Mr Dutton’s lack of action on this issue is unacceptable and to make matters worse, he’s leaving Queensland to fend for itself.

“He has shown a lack of action in stopping the importation of asbestos, a lack of action in enforcing a ban which has been in place in this country since 2003, and a lack of action in prosecuting illegal importers.

“This is in complete contrast to the Palaszczuk Government’s zero tolerance approach when it comes to asbestos.

“We target the immediate removal of asbestos containing materials when detected, and pursue prosecutions where possible.

“It shouldn’t be up to us to fix the Turnbull Government’s mess, yet that’s exactly what we have to do because Peter Dutton won’t do his job properly.”

Ms Grace wrote to Mr Dutton on 15 July demanding the immediate release of an independent review by Swedish firm KGH Border Services amid concerns about Australian Border Force’s inadequate asbestos import controls.

She is also calling on Mr Dutton to amend Commonwealth legislation to increase the unacceptably low maximum fine level of $180,000 for importing asbestos containing material, to create a greater deterrent.

“Neither Queensland nor anywhere else in Australia should be a dumping ground for cheap and illegal asbestos containing products,” she said.

“I’m calling on the federal government to work with China to educate suppliers about Australian laws to save Australian and Chinese workers’ lives.

“It’s a sad day when new buildings, once asbestos free, can no longer be guaranteed to be free of this deadly product.

“But it’s not just buildings that are affected, with deadly asbestos also being detected in items such as children’s crayons and motor vehicle spare parts.

“Peter Dutton talks tough about people smugglers, now he needs to get tough on importers who bring deadly asbestos containing materials into the country.”

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548