ACT Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe has been given new powers to revoke the licences of shoddy asbestos handlers and additional staff to deal with the increased risk to public safety as the territory embarks on a mass demolition of more than 1000 Mr Fluffy homes.
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In January, WorkSafe took over responsibility for the licensing of asbestos assessors and asbestos removalists as part of a move to incorporate legislation relating to high-risk asbestos in the Work Health and Safety Act. This is in line with other states and territories.
Previously, licensing was regulated by the ACT Planning and Land Authority.
Mr McCabe has also taken on two inspectors to work with another five who are devoted to monitoring the ACT's demolition scheme as it rolls out from next week. WorkSafe has a total of 32 inspectors.
Mr McCabe said every home would be monitored by WorkSafe and each demolition plan would need to be approved before work could start.
The legislative changes also mean Mr McCabe has assumed the powers to cancel the licences of any asbestos contractor who breaches safety conditions.
Last May, Mr McCabe referred licensed assessors to ACT Planning after they gave multiple clear asbestos assessments to a Farrer family who subsequently found loose asbestos had fallen into their children's wardrobes. Their home, which was locked down immediately, has been privately demolished.
Mr McCabe said at the time he had concerns.
While ACT Planning said it had investigated both men, it did not take action.
Mr McCabe confirmed on Tuesday he had suspended the licence of one of the men involved, using his new powers.
The suspension took place in mid- February. That licence has since expired and has not been renewed.
Mr McCabe also confirmed "WorkSafe is currently examining the work of a number of licence holders to ensure that they are acting in accordance with their obligations under the legislation".
"While the majority of licence holders fulfil their obligations in respect of both expertise and conduct, I believe this sends a strong message to the asbestos industry and the community that WorkSafe will uphold community expectations that licence holders are both competent and act in accordance with their obligations as licence holders," he said.
