Our roles and responsibilities

Our key functions:

• supporting and monitoring the implementation of both national plans by the Commonwealth and State, Territory and local governments
• fostering collaboration between relevant stakeholders
• promoting consistent messages, policies and practices
• improving the state of knowledge and awareness of asbestos and silica safety risks and controls
• conducting, commissioning, monitoring and promoting research, and
• collecting and analysing data required for measuring progress on preventing exposure to asbestos fibres, or respirable crystalline silica, and for informing evidence-based policies and strategies.

Our functions are performed in accordance with our operational plan which is agreed to annually by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.

ASSEA provides advice about asbestos and silica safety risks and controls, but we are not regulators and do not enforce the law.

Our background

The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency was established in 2013 to oversee national actions to improve asbestos awareness and the effective and safe management, removal and disposal of asbestos.

On the 7 December 2023, the agency’s functions were expanded to include silica through the Amendment of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Act 2013. The agency’s name was also changed to the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency.

We are a non-corporate entity under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). Our chief executive officer is appointed under the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency Act 2013 (the Act) and performs functions in accordance with that Act.

Our organisation

	Awareness and Engagement Led by Carolyn Stewart Lead the design, promotion and evaluation of awareness campaigns, information and guidance to improve the state of knowledge asbestos and silica, safety and diseases. Oversees ASSEAs awareness channels including websites, events, engagement, media and electronic newsletter.
	Research, evaluation and data Led by Dr Rick Van Conducts, commissions, monitors and promotes research about asbestos and silica safety and diseases. Translates data into consumable products and material to support implementation of national action. Leads evaluation of National Strategic Plans and targeted prevention actions.
	Strategy, policy, specialist advice and international Led by Julia Collins Coordinates design, implementation & monitoring of National Strategic Plans including influencing asbestos and silica related policy aimed at reducing exposure. Collaborates with international governments, agencies and bodies to implement bans on use of asbestos diseases.
	Corporate and finance Led by Stephen Blackburn Responsible for our corporate governance, management and accountability. Oversees committee secretariat functions.