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It is estimated that more than 40,000 km of asbestos-cement water and sewer pipes remain in the ground across Australia. Installed between the 1920s and 1980s, these asbestos-cement pipes are reaching the end of their usable lifespan, requiring maintenance or replacement.

Accurately and consistently identifying the presence, location and condition of asbestos containing materials is essential in ensuring that effective actions can be taken to prevent exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.

Councils are on the frontline of asbestos management and safety. Practical resources have been developed to assist local governments manage asbestos exposure risks for both residents in their Local Government Area (LGA) and workers in council workplaces.

Working in the building and construction industry increases the possibility of asbestos exposure. This guidance includes information on where you might find asbestos, the laws that relate to working with asbestos and how to prevent or minimise the release of harmful asbestos fibres during various work activities.

The laws for landlords of residential property regarding asbestos are different across Australia. Landlords must ensure that work carried out at their property is done safely. A body corporate must ensure that asbestos risk in common areas is minimised.

If your home was built or renovated before 1990 it might contain asbestos. This guide provides information about where you might find asbestos, the laws that relate to asbestos management and removal and how to protect yourself, your family and your neighbours from exposure to harmful asbestos fibres.

Although asbestos occurs naturally in some parts of Australia, land can also become contaminated with asbestos waste. Under environment protection laws everyone has a duty not to pollute the environment or to unlawfully dispose of asbestos waste.

Work health and safety (WHS) laws prohibit work involving asbestos except in specific circumstances where strict safety rules must be followed. If you manage or control a workplace (including as a commercial property owner) the WHS laws contain a range of duties to protect the health and safety of workers and others at the workplace.

Knowing if your home contains asbestos is important for the purposes of protecting your health and that of your family, particularly if you are planning any home improvements, repairs or renovations or at the point of buying, selling or renting a home.