The “small number” of Canberrans still affected by loose fill asbestos will be receiving support from a new, smaller coordination team, as the Asbestos Response Taskforce is set to formally close next week, on 30 June.

ACT Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction, Rebecca Vassarotti, said “the Taskforce has overseen a significant amount of work and renewal in Canberra suburbs since it first began in June 2014, helping many Canberrans over the past eight years with the remediation and removal of over 1,000 properties affected by loose fill asbestos insulation”.

“With the majority of known affected properties remediated, the work required now is different to that when the Taskforce first began. A smaller team will continue to provide the same high-level service the Taskforce has given the community for the past eight years.

“The team will continue to focus on supporting homeowners who remain in affected homes, delivering key legacy projects and ongoing remediation woks so we can continue to eradicate loose fill asbestos from the Canberra community.”

Ms Vassarotti said that the new team will provide continuity of existing service delivery standards while being responsible for continuing to administer the Scheme.

“Newly identified owners will not be disadvantaged and will be supported by the Government, with the same options and assistance available as those who had properties identified earlier in the Scheme,” she said.

“While the Taskforce will not continue past 30 June 2022, I want to assure the Canberra community that support is still available, and people should not hesitate in reporting any suspicious substances in their home.

“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank all the current and past members of the Asbestos Response Taskforce and the Community and Expert Reference Group for their efforts in supporting the Canberra community and, particularly, affected homeowners since its inception in 2014.”

To find out more about the support available after the Asbestos Response Taskforce closes, visit www.asbestostaskforce.act.gov.au.

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