Asbestos - an on-going tragedy. The Australian union movement has been campaigning on asbestos since the 1960's. Finally, in 2003, the use and import of asbestos into Australia was banned - but we are surrounded by this deadly substance in our workplaces and even in our homes.
There is now a National Campaign being run jointly by the ACTU/unions and the Cancer Council which is working towards an Australia which will be free of Asbestos. The campaign was launched in Sydney at a National Summit. There will be more work to progress this both at the annual VTHC Reps Conference in October and during Asbestos Awareness Week.
The last week of November each year is Asbestos Awareness Week. The
week serves as a potent reminder of the effects of asbestos and
provides an opportunity to remember and support the families affected
by asbestos-related diseases. Elected occupational health and safety
reps also often use the week to check that their employer is complying
with the legal requirements (see the OHS Regulations, Part 4.3 Asbestos).
There are always a number of events organised around Victoria on the issue of asbestos.