ACT Minister for Industrial Relations Katy Gallagher has announced the formation of the ACT Asbestos Assessment Task Force, to be headed by former ACT Government Minister Bill Wood.
"The Task Force will have very important role to fulfil over the next 12 months, providing advice to the government and community on the management of asbestos in the ACT," Ms Gallagher said.
New asbestos laws were introduced in August during the final sitting of the previous ACT Legislative Assembly.
As a result, the Task Force and its team of professional staff will have a role of wide community interest, as it sets about analysing the extent and impact of asbestos in the ACT.
The legislation has established the role, or Terms of Reference, for the Task Force which is in short "to analyse the extent and impact of asbestos in the ACT, and prepare a report to the Minister for Industrial Relations on the analysis, by 1 August 2005".
The Task Force is to report to the Legislative Assembly by August of next year. It will also prepare an awareness program to help the community better understand the legislation, and the issues associated with asbestos.
The Government has nominated representatives from ACT government departments, the ACT Insurance Authority, the Masters Builders Association, Housing Industry Association, Property Council, Real Estate Institute, Unions ACT and ACTU and the community to the Task Force.
A range of technical experts are also expected to contribute to the work of the Asbestos Task Force and its advisory groups over the coming months.
"I am confident this provides an excellent mix of Government and community representatives and look forward to working closely with the Task Force over the next 6-12 months," Ms Gallagher said.