A parliamentary question seeks information on methamphetamine contamination in Housing Authority residences, including identification processes, demolition, and safeguards for future residents. The initial response was incomplete, promising a more detailed answer later.

AnsweredQoN 686Legislative Council
Asked
16 August 2016
Portfolio
Housing

QuestionView source ↗

HOUSING AUTHORITY — TENANCIES —
METHAMPHETAMINE CONTAMINATION
686. Hon RICK MAZZA to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Housing:
I refer to the serious health
consequences of residing in residences contaminated through the onsite
production of methamphetamine and that it is estimated that around only 10 per
cent of methamphetamine labs are detected.
(1) Can the
minister please advise the number of Housing Authority residences that have
been identified as being contaminated through the onsite production of
methamphetamine?
(2) What process is used to —
(a) identify residences that may be
affected; and
(b) determine the level of
contamination?
(3) Have any Housing Authority
residences been demolished due to contamination?
(4) If yes to (3) —
(a) how many; and
(b) at what cost?
(5) What
safeguards are in place to ensure the health of subsequent residents of
contaminated properties?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice of the question.
(1) The Housing
Authority is unable to provide this information in the time available. If the
member would be kind enough to place the question on notice, I will endeavour
to provide a detailed response.
(2) (a) The
Housing Authority is notified by the Department of Health or Western Australia
Police if a clandestine drug laboratory is discovered operating in a public
housing property.
(b) Properties
where clandestine drug labs are found are cleaned in line with the federal
government's clandestine laboratory remediation guidelines. Once a drug
lab has been reported, a clandestine drug lab contamination report is
undertaken. The report details the level of chemical or toxic residue in the
property and whether a hazardous material cleaner or trauma cleaner is required.
Further testing is required after the property is cleaned and remedied to
validate that the site is safe.
(3) No.
(4) (a)–(b) Not applicable.
(5) Please refer to 2(b).

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