A WA parliamentary question on notice inquires about the Department of Education and Training's asbestos management program in schools, focusing on replacement, potential risks, and community welfare. The response indicates existing procedures and a lack of evidence suggesting immediate risk.

AnsweredQoN 1378Legislative Assembly
Asked
15 August 2006
Portfolio
Education and Training

QuestionView source ↗

Given the number of old schools throughout Western Australia that have asbestos in a number of structures that have deteriorated over time, would the Minister please advise -
(1) Does the Department of Education and Training have an asbestos replacement program in place?
(2) If not, why not?
(3) Does the Department of Education and Training intend to commence a program to replace asbestos in the coming years?
(4) If not, why not?
(5) Is the Department of Education and Training concerned that fibres will become airborne if asbestos that has deteriorated in Government schools is not replaced?
(6) If not, why not?
(7) Is the Department of Education and Training concerned for the welfare of the school community who may be affected in the future by such airborne asbestos fibres?
(8) If not, why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
14 September 2006
Responded by
Minister representing the Minister for Education and Training
Response time
30 days
(5-6) The available evidence does not suggest that the condition of ACM in schools represents a risk to the health of building occupants. Where ACM has been damaged (typically through wilful damage) or is found to be in a deteriorated state it is replaced. (7-8) The Department of Education and Training is aware of its obligations to the school community and visitors to school sites. The Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Western Australian State Schools Council Organisation setting out the issues and procedures that apply for ACM.
(7-8) The Department of Education and Training is aware of its obligations to the school community and visitors to school sites. The Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Western Australian State Schools Council Organisation setting out the issues and procedures that apply for ACM.

Explore WA Government Data

Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.

Explore more