Canberra MP Gai Brodtmann has told Parliament the federal government should take responsibility for the dangerous legacy of Mr Fluffy asbestos in the ACT.
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Ms Brodtmann said there was an obligation for the government to help people affected because it was an issue that pre-dated self-government.
''These families deserve support and compensation, and above all, certainty,'' the Labor MP said.
''They need to be able to sell their houses with a clear conscience, and at the moment that isn’t possible.
''I understand there is a meeting between the Commonwealth and ACT governments this week, and I strongly urge the Abbott government to accept responsibility, and take action to end the uncertainty, heartache and health concerns for these Canberra families.''
Ms Brodtmann met with four Canberrans on Wednesday who were owners of homes containing Mr Fluffy asbestos.
She informed the House of Representatives that Mr Fluffy was a type of loose-fill asbestos commonly used in the ACT in the late 1960s and 1970s.
''From 1988 to 1993, the Commonwealth removed asbestos from more than 1000 Canberra homes, and for a while, we thought we were rid of Mr Fluffy,'' she said.
''However, recently it was found that a number of houses that had their asbestos removed still contain residual asbestos fibres.
''For the families who own these homes, the situation is dire. It is devastating. Many of them had no idea they were buying Mr Fluffy homes.
''Some families have now been forced to leave their homes, not knowing if or when they can return. They are grappling with costs in the tens of thousands of dollars for testing, removal, temporary accommodation, new clothes and new cars.
''Their homes can’t be sold or rented. In fact, [the] Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency’s Peter Tighe has called for the demolition of the ACT’s Mr Fluffy homes.''
As reported earlier this month, ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said she would be talking to the Commonwealth about the legacy of Mr Fluffy.
The Mr Fluffy Owners and Residents Action Group – which has recruited more than 300 members since setting up last month – has provided a ''community voice'' section on its website to allow victims to express their fears without risking their anonymity.
