❓ Hon. George Cash asks about asbestos in Brownlie Towers refurbishment. Hon. Nick Griffiths provides details on refurbishment progress, asbestos locations, tenant notification plans, and government concern over James Hardie's compensation practices.
AnsweredQoN 979Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the question I asked the minister on Tuesday, 9 November about the refurbishment of Brownlie Towers in Bentley. The minister said he would seek further information on the matter. Does the minister have that information, and can he provide it to me? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank Hon George Cash for raising the matter in question time on 9 November. On the morning of 10 November I conferred with the director general of the Department of Housing and Works. As a result of that, I have received further information on the matters raised by Hon George Cash. He will recall that I pointed out that Brownlie Towers was undergoing refurbishment. I am in a position to give the honourable member detailed information about that refurbishment, but I think he was more concerned about the issue of asbestos. I will direct my comments to the issue of asbestos after I talk about the refurbishment. The refurbishment relates to the 300 apartments that were built decades ago - I think they were built some 30 years ago. It is a major refurbishment program. So far, 109 of the 300 apartments have been refurbished. The honourable member will be pleased to know that the residents of the refurbished apartments have the benefit of a new kitchen, new floor coverings and new wet areas. The apartments have been painted and window treatments have been put in place. With respect to the extent of the use of asbestos in the construction of the building, which took place a long time ago, I am advised that asbestos is present in the balustrade panelling in the walkways of both towers, the balustrades of the balconies of both towers, the eaves of the walkways and the balconies on the ninth and tenth floors of both towers. Hon George Cash: They are public areas. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS: Yes, they are. Hon George Cash asked whether the residents were aware of the extent of asbestos in the building; and, if so, how and when they were informed. I am advised that it is intended to inform the tenants prior to inviting public tenders for the proposed works - the proposed works being the second stage of the work to be done on Brownlie Towers, not the current refurbishment. I am advised that it is common knowledge that there is asbestos in the building. With respect to whether it is intended to remove the asbestos while residents are in occupation and, if so, what alternative accommodation has been arranged, I am advised that specialist advice is being obtained about the presence of asbestos and the methods required to remove and dispose of the material. That will include an assessment of whether tenants need to relocate. The matter is being carefully examined to ensure that people will not be put at risk. The last part of the question related to the use of James Hardie building materials in the cladding on the outside of the building. It is my understanding that the asbestos products in the building are James Hardie or James Hardie predecessor materials that were used, presumably, decades ago when the building was constructed. The Government is very concerned about the behaviour of James Hardie with respect to compensation. It supports the New South Wales Government’s intention to review its laws to have James Hardie comply with its obligations to ensure that those who have suffered as a result of James Hardie asbestos products are compensated.
Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: I thank Hon George Cash for raising the matter in question time on 9 November. On the morning of 10 November I conferred with the director general of the Department of Housing and Works. As a result of that, I have received further information on the matters raised by Hon George Cash. He will recall that I pointed out that Brownlie Towers was undergoing refurbishment. I am in a position to give the honourable member detailed information about that refurbishment, but I think he was more concerned about the issue of asbestos. I will direct my comments to the issue of asbestos after I talk about the refurbishment. The refurbishment relates to the 300 apartments that were built decades ago - I think they were built some 30 years ago. It is a major refurbishment program. So far, 109 of the 300 apartments have been refurbished. The honourable member will be pleased to know that the residents of the refurbished apartments have the benefit of a new kitchen, new floor coverings and new wet areas. The apartments have been painted and window treatments have been put in place. With respect to the extent of the use of asbestos in the construction of the building, which took place a long time ago, I am advised that asbestos is present in the balustrade panelling in the walkways of both towers, the balustrades of the balconies of both towers, the eaves of the walkways and the balconies on the ninth and tenth floors of both towers. Hon George Cash: They are public areas. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS: Yes, they are. Hon George Cash asked whether the residents were aware of the extent of asbestos in the building; and, if so, how and when they were informed. I am advised that it is intended to inform the tenants prior to inviting public tenders for the proposed works - the proposed works being the second stage of the work to be done on Brownlie Towers, not the current refurbishment. I am advised that it is common knowledge that there is asbestos in the building. With respect to whether it is intended to remove the asbestos while residents are in occupation and, if so, what alternative accommodation has been arranged, I am advised that specialist advice is being obtained about the presence of asbestos and the methods required to remove and dispose of the material. That will include an assessment of whether tenants need to relocate. The matter is being carefully examined to ensure that people will not be put at risk. The last part of the question related to the use of James Hardie building materials in the cladding on the outside of the building. It is my understanding that the asbestos products in the building are James Hardie or James Hardie predecessor materials that were used, presumably, decades ago when the building was constructed. The Government is very concerned about the behaviour of James Hardie with respect to compensation. It supports the New South Wales Government’s intention to review its laws to have James Hardie comply with its obligations to ensure that those who have suffered as a result of James Hardie asbestos products are compensated.
I thank Hon George Cash for raising the matter in question time on 9 November. On the morning of 10 November I conferred with the director general of the Department of Housing and Works. As a result of that, I have received further information on the matters raised by Hon George Cash. He will recall that I pointed out that Brownlie Towers was undergoing refurbishment. I am in a position to give the honourable member detailed information about that refurbishment, but I think he was more concerned about the issue of asbestos. I will direct my comments to the issue of asbestos after I talk about the refurbishment. The refurbishment relates to the 300 apartments that were built decades ago - I think they were built some 30 years ago. It is a major refurbishment program. So far, 109 of the 300 apartments have been refurbished. The honourable member will be pleased to know that the residents of the refurbished apartments have the benefit of a new kitchen, new floor coverings and new wet areas. The apartments have been painted and window treatments have been put in place. With respect to the extent of the use of asbestos in the construction of the building, which took place a long time ago, I am advised that asbestos is present in the balustrade panelling in the walkways of both towers, the balustrades of the balconies of both towers, the eaves of the walkways and the balconies on the ninth and tenth floors of both towers. Hon George Cash: They are public areas. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS: Yes, they are. Hon George Cash asked whether the residents were aware of the extent of asbestos in the building; and, if so, how and when they were informed. I am advised that it is intended to inform the tenants prior to inviting public tenders for the proposed works - the proposed works being the second stage of the work to be done on Brownlie Towers, not the current refurbishment. I am advised that it is common knowledge that there is asbestos in the building. With respect to whether it is intended to remove the asbestos while residents are in occupation and, if so, what alternative accommodation has been arranged, I am advised that specialist advice is being obtained about the presence of asbestos and the methods required to remove and dispose of the material. That will include an assessment of whether tenants need to relocate. The matter is being carefully examined to ensure that people will not be put at risk. The last part of the question related to the use of James Hardie building materials in the cladding on the outside of the building. It is my understanding that the asbestos products in the building are James Hardie or James Hardie predecessor materials that were used, presumably, decades ago when the building was constructed. The Government is very concerned about the behaviour of James Hardie with respect to compensation. It supports the New South Wales Government’s intention to review its laws to have James Hardie comply with its obligations to ensure that those who have suffered as a result of James Hardie asbestos products are compensated.
The refurbishment relates to the 300 apartments that were built decades ago - I think they were built some 30 years ago. It is a major refurbishment program. So far, 109 of the 300 apartments have been refurbished. The honourable member will be pleased to know that the residents of the refurbished apartments have the benefit of a new kitchen, new floor coverings and new wet areas. The apartments have been painted and window treatments have been put in place. With respect to the extent of the use of asbestos in the construction of the building, which took place a long time ago, I am advised that asbestos is present in the balustrade panelling in the walkways of both towers, the balustrades of the balconies of both towers, the eaves of the walkways and the balconies on the ninth and tenth floors of both towers. Hon George Cash: They are public areas. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS: Yes, they are. Hon George Cash asked whether the residents were aware of the extent of asbestos in the building; and, if so, how and when they were informed. I am advised that it is intended to inform the tenants prior to inviting public tenders for the proposed works - the proposed works being the second stage of the work to be done on Brownlie Towers, not the current refurbishment. I am advised that it is common knowledge that there is asbestos in the building. With respect to whether it is intended to remove the asbestos while residents are in occupation and, if so, what alternative accommodation has been arranged, I am advised that specialist advice is being obtained about the presence of asbestos and the methods required to remove and dispose of the material. That will include an assessment of whether tenants need to relocate. The matter is being carefully examined to ensure that people will not be put at risk. The last part of the question related to the use of James Hardie building materials in the cladding on the outside of the building. It is my understanding that the asbestos products in the building are James Hardie or James Hardie predecessor materials that were used, presumably, decades ago when the building was constructed. The Government is very concerned about the behaviour of James Hardie with respect to compensation. It supports the New South Wales Government’s intention to review its laws to have James Hardie comply with its obligations to ensure that those who have suffered as a result of James Hardie asbestos products are compensated.
With respect to the extent of the use of asbestos in the construction of the building, which took place a long time ago, I am advised that asbestos is present in the balustrade panelling in the walkways of both towers, the balustrades of the balconies of both towers, the eaves of the walkways and the balconies on the ninth and tenth floors of both towers. Hon George Cash: They are public areas. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS: Yes, they are. Hon George Cash asked whether the residents were aware of the extent of asbestos in the building; and, if so, how and when they were informed. I am advised that it is intended to inform the tenants prior to inviting public tenders for the proposed works - the proposed works being the second stage of the work to be done on Brownlie Towers, not the current refurbishment. I am advised that it is common knowledge that there is asbestos in the building. With respect to whether it is intended to remove the asbestos while residents are in occupation and, if so, what alternative accommodation has been arranged, I am advised that specialist advice is being obtained about the presence of asbestos and the methods required to remove and dispose of the material. That will include an assessment of whether tenants need to relocate. The matter is being carefully examined to ensure that people will not be put at risk. The last part of the question related to the use of James Hardie building materials in the cladding on the outside of the building. It is my understanding that the asbestos products in the building are James Hardie or James Hardie predecessor materials that were used, presumably, decades ago when the building was constructed. The Government is very concerned about the behaviour of James Hardie with respect to compensation. It supports the New South Wales Government’s intention to review its laws to have James Hardie comply with its obligations to ensure that those who have suffered as a result of James Hardie asbestos products are compensated.
Hon George Cash: They are public areas. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS: Yes, they are. Hon George Cash asked whether the residents were aware of the extent of asbestos in the building; and, if so, how and when they were informed. I am advised that it is intended to inform the tenants prior to inviting public tenders for the proposed works - the proposed works being the second stage of the work to be done on Brownlie Towers, not the current refurbishment. I am advised that it is common knowledge that there is asbestos in the building. With respect to whether it is intended to remove the asbestos while residents are in occupation and, if so, what alternative accommodation has been arranged, I am advised that specialist advice is being obtained about the presence of asbestos and the methods required to remove and dispose of the material. That will include an assessment of whether tenants need to relocate. The matter is being carefully examined to ensure that people will not be put at risk. The last part of the question related to the use of James Hardie building materials in the cladding on the outside of the building. It is my understanding that the asbestos products in the building are James Hardie or James Hardie predecessor materials that were used, presumably, decades ago when the building was constructed. The Government is very concerned about the behaviour of James Hardie with respect to compensation. It supports the New South Wales Government’s intention to review its laws to have James Hardie comply with its obligations to ensure that those who have suffered as a result of James Hardie asbestos products are compensated.
Hon NICK GRIFFITHS: Yes, they are. Hon George Cash asked whether the residents were aware of the extent of asbestos in the building; and, if so, how and when they were informed. I am advised that it is intended to inform the tenants prior to inviting public tenders for the proposed works - the proposed works being the second stage of the work to be done on Brownlie Towers, not the current refurbishment. I am advised that it is common knowledge that there is asbestos in the building. With respect to whether it is intended to remove the asbestos while residents are in occupation and, if so, what alternative accommodation has been arranged, I am advised that specialist advice is being obtained about the presence of asbestos and the methods required to remove and dispose of the material. That will include an assessment of whether tenants need to relocate. The matter is being carefully examined to ensure that people will not be put at risk. The last part of the question related to the use of James Hardie building materials in the cladding on the outside of the building. It is my understanding that the asbestos products in the building are James Hardie or James Hardie predecessor materials that were used, presumably, decades ago when the building was constructed. The Government is very concerned about the behaviour of James Hardie with respect to compensation. It supports the New South Wales Government’s intention to review its laws to have James Hardie comply with its obligations to ensure that those who have suffered as a result of James Hardie asbestos products are compensated.
The last part of the question related to the use of James Hardie building materials in the cladding on the outside of the building. It is my understanding that the asbestos products in the building are James Hardie or James Hardie predecessor materials that were used, presumably, decades ago when the building was constructed. The Government is very concerned about the behaviour of James Hardie with respect to compensation. It supports the New South Wales Government’s intention to review its laws to have James Hardie comply with its obligations to ensure that those who have suffered as a result of James Hardie asbestos products are compensated.
Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: I thank Hon George Cash for raising the matter in question time on 9 November. On the morning of 10 November I conferred with the director general of the Department of Housing and Works. As a result of that, I have received further information on the matters raised by Hon George Cash. He will recall that I pointed out that Brownlie Towers was undergoing refurbishment. I am in a position to give the honourable member detailed information about that refurbishment, but I think he was more concerned about the issue of asbestos. I will direct my comments to the issue of asbestos after I talk about the refurbishment. The refurbishment relates to the 300 apartments that were built decades ago - I think they were built some 30 years ago. It is a major refurbishment program. So far, 109 of the 300 apartments have been refurbished. The honourable member will be pleased to know that the residents of the refurbished apartments have the benefit of a new kitchen, new floor coverings and new wet areas. The apartments have been painted and window treatments have been put in place. With respect to the extent of the use of asbestos in the construction of the building, which took place a long time ago, I am advised that asbestos is present in the balustrade panelling in the walkways of both towers, the balustrades of the balconies of both towers, the eaves of the walkways and the balconies on the ninth and tenth floors of both towers. Hon George Cash: They are public areas. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS: Yes, they are. Hon George Cash asked whether the residents were aware of the extent of asbestos in the building; and, if so, how and when they were informed. I am advised that it is intended to inform the tenants prior to inviting public tenders for the proposed works - the proposed works being the second stage of the work to be done on Brownlie Towers, not the current refurbishment. I am advised that it is common knowledge that there is asbestos in the building. With respect to whether it is intended to remove the asbestos while residents are in occupation and, if so, what alternative accommodation has been arranged, I am advised that specialist advice is being obtained about the presence of asbestos and the methods required to remove and dispose of the material. That will include an assessment of whether tenants need to relocate. The matter is being carefully examined to ensure that people will not be put at risk. The last part of the question related to the use of James Hardie building materials in the cladding on the outside of the building. It is my understanding that the asbestos products in the building are James Hardie or James Hardie predecessor materials that were used, presumably, decades ago when the building was constructed. The Government is very concerned about the behaviour of James Hardie with respect to compensation. It supports the New South Wales Government’s intention to review its laws to have James Hardie comply with its obligations to ensure that those who have suffered as a result of James Hardie asbestos products are compensated.
I thank Hon George Cash for raising the matter in question time on 9 November. On the morning of 10 November I conferred with the director general of the Department of Housing and Works. As a result of that, I have received further information on the matters raised by Hon George Cash. He will recall that I pointed out that Brownlie Towers was undergoing refurbishment. I am in a position to give the honourable member detailed information about that refurbishment, but I think he was more concerned about the issue of asbestos. I will direct my comments to the issue of asbestos after I talk about the refurbishment. The refurbishment relates to the 300 apartments that were built decades ago - I think they were built some 30 years ago. It is a major refurbishment program. So far, 109 of the 300 apartments have been refurbished. The honourable member will be pleased to know that the residents of the refurbished apartments have the benefit of a new kitchen, new floor coverings and new wet areas. The apartments have been painted and window treatments have been put in place. With respect to the extent of the use of asbestos in the construction of the building, which took place a long time ago, I am advised that asbestos is present in the balustrade panelling in the walkways of both towers, the balustrades of the balconies of both towers, the eaves of the walkways and the balconies on the ninth and tenth floors of both towers. Hon George Cash: They are public areas. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS: Yes, they are. Hon George Cash asked whether the residents were aware of the extent of asbestos in the building; and, if so, how and when they were informed. I am advised that it is intended to inform the tenants prior to inviting public tenders for the proposed works - the proposed works being the second stage of the work to be done on Brownlie Towers, not the current refurbishment. I am advised that it is common knowledge that there is asbestos in the building. With respect to whether it is intended to remove the asbestos while residents are in occupation and, if so, what alternative accommodation has been arranged, I am advised that specialist advice is being obtained about the presence of asbestos and the methods required to remove and dispose of the material. That will include an assessment of whether tenants need to relocate. The matter is being carefully examined to ensure that people will not be put at risk. The last part of the question related to the use of James Hardie building materials in the cladding on the outside of the building. It is my understanding that the asbestos products in the building are James Hardie or James Hardie predecessor materials that were used, presumably, decades ago when the building was constructed. The Government is very concerned about the behaviour of James Hardie with respect to compensation. It supports the New South Wales Government’s intention to review its laws to have James Hardie comply with its obligations to ensure that those who have suffered as a result of James Hardie asbestos products are compensated.
The refurbishment relates to the 300 apartments that were built decades ago - I think they were built some 30 years ago. It is a major refurbishment program. So far, 109 of the 300 apartments have been refurbished. The honourable member will be pleased to know that the residents of the refurbished apartments have the benefit of a new kitchen, new floor coverings and new wet areas. The apartments have been painted and window treatments have been put in place. With respect to the extent of the use of asbestos in the construction of the building, which took place a long time ago, I am advised that asbestos is present in the balustrade panelling in the walkways of both towers, the balustrades of the balconies of both towers, the eaves of the walkways and the balconies on the ninth and tenth floors of both towers. Hon George Cash: They are public areas. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS: Yes, they are. Hon George Cash asked whether the residents were aware of the extent of asbestos in the building; and, if so, how and when they were informed. I am advised that it is intended to inform the tenants prior to inviting public tenders for the proposed works - the proposed works being the second stage of the work to be done on Brownlie Towers, not the current refurbishment. I am advised that it is common knowledge that there is asbestos in the building. With respect to whether it is intended to remove the asbestos while residents are in occupation and, if so, what alternative accommodation has been arranged, I am advised that specialist advice is being obtained about the presence of asbestos and the methods required to remove and dispose of the material. That will include an assessment of whether tenants need to relocate. The matter is being carefully examined to ensure that people will not be put at risk. The last part of the question related to the use of James Hardie building materials in the cladding on the outside of the building. It is my understanding that the asbestos products in the building are James Hardie or James Hardie predecessor materials that were used, presumably, decades ago when the building was constructed. The Government is very concerned about the behaviour of James Hardie with respect to compensation. It supports the New South Wales Government’s intention to review its laws to have James Hardie comply with its obligations to ensure that those who have suffered as a result of James Hardie asbestos products are compensated.
With respect to the extent of the use of asbestos in the construction of the building, which took place a long time ago, I am advised that asbestos is present in the balustrade panelling in the walkways of both towers, the balustrades of the balconies of both towers, the eaves of the walkways and the balconies on the ninth and tenth floors of both towers. Hon George Cash: They are public areas. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS: Yes, they are. Hon George Cash asked whether the residents were aware of the extent of asbestos in the building; and, if so, how and when they were informed. I am advised that it is intended to inform the tenants prior to inviting public tenders for the proposed works - the proposed works being the second stage of the work to be done on Brownlie Towers, not the current refurbishment. I am advised that it is common knowledge that there is asbestos in the building. With respect to whether it is intended to remove the asbestos while residents are in occupation and, if so, what alternative accommodation has been arranged, I am advised that specialist advice is being obtained about the presence of asbestos and the methods required to remove and dispose of the material. That will include an assessment of whether tenants need to relocate. The matter is being carefully examined to ensure that people will not be put at risk. The last part of the question related to the use of James Hardie building materials in the cladding on the outside of the building. It is my understanding that the asbestos products in the building are James Hardie or James Hardie predecessor materials that were used, presumably, decades ago when the building was constructed. The Government is very concerned about the behaviour of James Hardie with respect to compensation. It supports the New South Wales Government’s intention to review its laws to have James Hardie comply with its obligations to ensure that those who have suffered as a result of James Hardie asbestos products are compensated.
Hon George Cash: They are public areas. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS: Yes, they are. Hon George Cash asked whether the residents were aware of the extent of asbestos in the building; and, if so, how and when they were informed. I am advised that it is intended to inform the tenants prior to inviting public tenders for the proposed works - the proposed works being the second stage of the work to be done on Brownlie Towers, not the current refurbishment. I am advised that it is common knowledge that there is asbestos in the building. With respect to whether it is intended to remove the asbestos while residents are in occupation and, if so, what alternative accommodation has been arranged, I am advised that specialist advice is being obtained about the presence of asbestos and the methods required to remove and dispose of the material. That will include an assessment of whether tenants need to relocate. The matter is being carefully examined to ensure that people will not be put at risk. The last part of the question related to the use of James Hardie building materials in the cladding on the outside of the building. It is my understanding that the asbestos products in the building are James Hardie or James Hardie predecessor materials that were used, presumably, decades ago when the building was constructed. The Government is very concerned about the behaviour of James Hardie with respect to compensation. It supports the New South Wales Government’s intention to review its laws to have James Hardie comply with its obligations to ensure that those who have suffered as a result of James Hardie asbestos products are compensated.
Hon NICK GRIFFITHS: Yes, they are. Hon George Cash asked whether the residents were aware of the extent of asbestos in the building; and, if so, how and when they were informed. I am advised that it is intended to inform the tenants prior to inviting public tenders for the proposed works - the proposed works being the second stage of the work to be done on Brownlie Towers, not the current refurbishment. I am advised that it is common knowledge that there is asbestos in the building. With respect to whether it is intended to remove the asbestos while residents are in occupation and, if so, what alternative accommodation has been arranged, I am advised that specialist advice is being obtained about the presence of asbestos and the methods required to remove and dispose of the material. That will include an assessment of whether tenants need to relocate. The matter is being carefully examined to ensure that people will not be put at risk. The last part of the question related to the use of James Hardie building materials in the cladding on the outside of the building. It is my understanding that the asbestos products in the building are James Hardie or James Hardie predecessor materials that were used, presumably, decades ago when the building was constructed. The Government is very concerned about the behaviour of James Hardie with respect to compensation. It supports the New South Wales Government’s intention to review its laws to have James Hardie comply with its obligations to ensure that those who have suffered as a result of James Hardie asbestos products are compensated.
The last part of the question related to the use of James Hardie building materials in the cladding on the outside of the building. It is my understanding that the asbestos products in the building are James Hardie or James Hardie predecessor materials that were used, presumably, decades ago when the building was constructed. The Government is very concerned about the behaviour of James Hardie with respect to compensation. It supports the New South Wales Government’s intention to review its laws to have James Hardie comply with its obligations to ensure that those who have suffered as a result of James Hardie asbestos products are compensated.
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