News & Views

A number of initiatives that relate to homeowners and residents of properties affected by loose fill asbestos insulation commenced on 1 July 2020, under the Loose-fill Asbestos Legislation Amendment Act 2020.  

While the Asbestos Response Taskforce has advised homeowners of the remaining Mr Fluffy properties of the new obligations and responsibilities, two of the requirements may be particularly relevant to some of your members. 

On 1 July 2020, the Affected Residential Premises Register was updated to reflect whether an affected property requires an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) and whether a current, compliant plan is in place. This additional information will be particularly helpful for tradespeople as they assess any work they are being asked to undertake at the affected property. 

Homeowners are responsible for displaying a readable copy of their current AMP in a display case at a prominent location near the main entrance to the affected property. This will allow tradespeople to access and view the AMP when attending.  

More information can be found on the WorkSafe ACT website.

In addition, development and building work at an affected property is restricted to demolition (including asbestos removal) or works essential for health, safety or reasonable living conditions. 

Guidelines will be made available regarding what kinds of works are considered essential to health, safety and reasonable living conditions to assist homeowners and residents as they consider any works they wish to have done. Building surveyors will also be briefed on the guidelines and will be able to support homeowners to understand what works can be approved.  

These guidelines will be available shortly from the Build, buy or renovate website. 

We would appreciate if you would advise your members of the new requirements relevant to them and their work.