The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency was proud to hold the inaugural Australian International Conference on Asbestos Awareness and Management, held at the Crown Conference Centre, Southbank, Melbourne from 16 to 18 November 2014.
The conference welcomed over 260 international experts in asbestos, industry, employer groups, unions, governments at all levels, researchers, medical experts and health professionals, community groups, and victims of asbestos-related diseases. This represented and highlighted the diverse stakeholders who are affected by the issue of asbestos and asbestos-related diseases.
The program included a mixture of plenary sessions and opportunities to network at social functions such as the welcome reception and conference dinner. Over two days of presentations, discussion and debate, delegates discussed current challenges and practical solutions to addressing Australia’s asbestos legacy.
The results of the conference called for an improvement in asbestos awareness training and stronger enforcement and penalties for those who do not comply with asbestos regulations. Outcomes from the conference also confirmed that there are considerable costs and health risks in managing and maintaining asbestos. In support of this, case studies presented during the conference demonstrated that when government and industry work together, cost effective strategies can be developed to remove asbestos.
The content, overall findings derived from the conference, and delegates involved demonstrated their support for the adoption of a National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Management and Awareness in Australia, as well as endorsing the idea of an Australia free of the risks of asbestos.
Highlights video of conference
Photos of conference and social events
If you would like any further information or a copy of the presentations from the 2014 International Conference on Asbestos Awareness and Management, please contact events@asbestossafety.gov.au.
