The 2017–18 reporting year was the first full year of operation for the current Asbestos Safety and Eradication Council and again, I was honoured to be chair of this committed group of people.
Members of the council are selected in accordance with the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Act 2013 for their experience and expertise in asbestos safety, public health, corporate governance or community advocacy. The 2017–18 reporting year saw some changes of members representing the jurisdictions and the appointment of more observers to support the successful operation of the council and its members.
The council met five times during the 2017–18 year and worked through important issues including ongoing development and implementation of the national strategic plan. I see a clear commitment and work towards improving asbestos awareness and management from council and thank them for their efforts.
The success of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Summit in Canberra in November 2017 reflects the commitment of the council and agency to strong stakeholder engagement in reviewing the current national strategic plan and commencing development of a new plan for 2019 and beyond.
Peter Tighe, CEO of the agency, and his team can rightly be pleased with this and their other achievements over the 2017–18 year. Council very much appreciates their assistance.
Council and management also acknowledge the Australian Government’s ongoing support of them as independent bodies. Continued constructive working relationships with all levels of government and stakeholders are essential in developing a new national strategic plan in the years beyond 2018.
Australia is widely recognised for its international leadership on asbestos management. The work the agency is doing to support the development of roadmaps towards national bans on asbestos production and use in South East Asia is very important in reducing reliance on the substance in our region and the potential for importation into Australia.
I look forward to working with the members of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Council over the coming year in delivering on the commitment towards a country that is free of asbestos-related diseases. During this year, we will farewell Peter Tighe as his terms ends and he heads to well–earned retirement. Peter’s expertise, passion and commitment have left a legacy acknowledged by all who work in the field of asbestos management. His contribution will be missed and I wish him well for the future.
Diane Smith-Gander,
Chair, Asbestos Safety and Eradication Council
