The ACT’s Liberal senator has backed the Gallagher government’s moves to seek help from the Commonwealth for those who own houses with loose-fill Mr Fluffy asbestos.
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Senator Zed Seselja said there may be federal liability flowing from the use of loose amosite asbestos as insulation for a suspected 1050 homes before self-government.
“I want to see these people who find themselves in these circumstances helped,” he said. “There may well be some Commonwealth liability here, and so I wouldn’t be against the Commonwealth playing a role with the ACT government.”
Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said last week the ACT had started discussions with the federal government this month and “urgent responses” were needed for some families who had to leave home.
Attorney-General Simon Corbell announced on Friday that tip disposal fees would be waived for those who renovated or demolished a house containing loose-fill Mr Fluffy asbestos, and indicated announcements on further measures would occur in coming weeks.
Asked if he would be in favour of the federal government spending tens of millions of dollars to assist the affected home owners, Senator Seselja said the Commonwealth did have to play a role.
He said the question of whether homes should be demolished – as recommended by the federal asbestos safety agency in April – was one for expert advice.
