The ANSP 2024–2030 has 3 aims: to eliminate asbestos-related diseases in Australia, to support people affected by asbestos-related diseases, and to advocate for a worldwide ban on the production and trade of asbestos. A national action plan supports each of these aims.
The Commonwealth and all state and territory governments have endorsed the ANSP 2024–2030, representing a commitment by all jurisdictions to continue the important work being undertaken nationally to address Australia’s deadly asbestos legacy.
The Asbestos National Strategic Plan 2024–30 was developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including all levels of government, unions, industry and asbestos support groups. It has also been informed by the findings of an Economic Evaluation of Asbestos Management and Removal Options and an Analysis of the 2012 Asbestos Management Review Recommendations.
Asbestos is estimated to kill over 4000 Australians every year, and it is still in millions of homes and buildings. Asbestos materials are ageing and deteriorating, increasing the risk of exposure to harmful asbestos fibres. The need to safely remove these materials is now more urgent.
That's why we have the Asbestos National Strategic Plan, which brings all levels of government and non-government organisations together, to take actions that could see asbestos removed from our buildings by 2068. Saving up to 28,000 lives from asbestos related disease and preventing further contamination of our environment.
The first aim of the plan is to eliminate asbestos-related diseases in Australia by identifying, removing and disposing of asbestos safely. The second aim is to support workers and others who are affected by asbestos-related diseases by improving their quality of life through better diagnosis, treatment and support. And finally, the third aim is for Australia to be an international leader by helping other countries ban asbestos trade and production and preventing asbestos products entering Australia.
But managing a problem this big means everyone has to work together to ensure we’re efficient, effective and coordinated. And making that happen is the job of the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency.