When Was Asbestos Banned in Australia?
Whilst the first recorded case of asbestosis in Australia dates back to 1933 in New South Wales, it wasn’t until more than 70 years later that asbestos was compltely banned in Australia.
The asbestos ban made it illegal to import, manufacture, transport, storage, sale, use and re-use asbestos products in Australia.
Australia’s widespread use of asbestos in construction means that the fall out and remediation efforts continue to be ongoing.
When was asbestos banned in Australia?
Australia’s asbestos ban came into effect on December 31 2003.
The asbestos ban made it illegal to important, manufacture, use, or sell and asbestos-containing product. Whilst the official ban is tied to December 31 2003, Australia took a tiered approach which started in the 1980s and continued right through to the complete ban on December 31 2003.
Penalties and Fines for Breaching Asbestos Laws in Australia
Penalties & fines for importing asbestos into Australia
Importing asbestos into Australia is a Tier 1 good under the Customs Regulation 2015.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) is responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance at the border.
- Importing asbestos into Australia carries penalties of up to $222,000 or three times the value of the goods (whichever is greater) for individuals.
- Fines of up to $1,110,000 or fifteen times the value of the goods (whichever is greater) for corporations.
Penalties & fines for dumping asbestos
Illegal dumping of asbestos materials in Australia is monitored and enforced by State Environment Protection Authorities (EPAs) and local councils.
On the spot fines: On the spot fines of $15,000 for individuals and $30,000 for companies apply on the illegal transport or dumping of any type of asbestos material.
Court penalties: Courts can impose fines of up to $2 million for individuals and $10 million for corporations that are convicted of dumping asbestos that harms the wildlife or has the potential for severe damage.
Depending on the nature of the offence, local councils are typically the first port of call and will be responsible for managing the safe disposal and investigation of minor breaches relating to residential dumping offence.
Workplace and commercial breaches relating to asbestos dumping are typically handled by state Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) regulators such as SafeWork in NSW, WorkSafe in Victoria, or Workplace Health and Safety in Queensland. WHS are responsible for enforcing specific regulations regarding the safe handling and removal of asbestos. Fines and penalties will depend on the nature and location of the offence.
History and Timeline of Asbestos in Australia
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