Mr WOOD - 2012-05-01
The member for Barkly was talking about jobs and how important they are. My question is relevant to that as well. On 6 April in the Northern Territory News, there was an article about possible loss of jobs due to the new asbestos removal laws. Could you please say what the licensing requirements were for an asbestos removal supervisor before 2 January 2012, and what the requirements are now? Are there any people in the Northern Territory who can be asbestos removal supervisors under the new regulations, or do people have to be brought in from interstate to do the job? What is the government doing to fix the problem?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. The arrangements for the removal of asbestos in the Northern Territory have changed from the commencement of the new Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act which came into effect in January this year.
One immediate change is the removal of asbestos must be supervised by persons who have sufficient experience and qualification. Naturally enough, people would expect that. This change is required in order to improve the safety standards and meet the national industry standards. I heard on the radio this morning about the children and grandchildren of staff members who worked in the CSR plant.
The health and safety of workers, and others, must remain the key focus of safety standards and must not be lowered. This change, as with most changes resulting in model laws, has had some transition arrangements in the Northern Territory. The transition arrangements require a supervisor to have held an NT licence for the last 12 months. Unfortunately, some removalists have been licensed for only a short time and, in the interim, must engage suitably experienced supervisors for the removal.
With respect to how this is all communicated to the business community, all NT licensed asbestos removalists were invited to workshops in 2011 regarding national uniform legislation. All NT licence holders were also contacted earlier this year to inform them of the commencement of the laws, and also the transition arrangements and options to meet these new safety obligations.
Work must now be supervised by a person who has sufficient experience, is over the age of 18, has completed the national units of competency, and is also assessed for qualification as a supervisor.
Member for Nelson, a person can supervise their own work, but the competency as a supervisor requires proof of experience for Class A licences for three years and Class B licences for 12 months. There are currently 210 licensed asbestos removalists, of which 69 licences were issued as recently as 2011.
There are transitional arrangements. These laws were put in place, naturally enough, to improve the safety standard of the industry and the safety of removalists as well.
I believe it is good law. We understand the issues and are working towards resolving those transitional arrangements.
Dr BURNS (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. The arrangements for the removal of asbestos in the Northern Territory have changed from the commencement of the new Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act which came into effect in January this year.
One immediate change is the removal of asbestos must be supervised by persons who have sufficient experience and qualification. Naturally enough, people would expect that. This change is required in order to improve the safety standards and meet the national industry standards. I heard on the radio this morning about the children and grandchildren of staff members who worked in the CSR plant.
The health and safety of workers, and others, must remain the key focus of safety standards and must not be lowered. This change, as with most changes resulting in model laws, has had some transition arrangements in the Northern Territory. The transition arrangements require a supervisor to have held an NT licence for the last 12 months. Unfortunately, some removalists have been licensed for only a short time and, in the interim, must engage suitably experienced supervisors for the removal.
With respect to how this is all communicated to the business community, all NT licensed asbestos removalists were invited to workshops in 2011 regarding national uniform legislation. All NT licence holders were also contacted earlier this year to inform them of the commencement of the laws, and also the transition arrangements and options to meet these new safety obligations.
Work must now be supervised by a person who has sufficient experience, is over the age of 18, has completed the national units of competency, and is also assessed for qualification as a supervisor.
Member for Nelson, a person can supervise their own work, but the competency as a supervisor requires proof of experience for Class A licences for three years and Class B licences for 12 months. There are currently 210 licensed asbestos removalists, of which 69 licences were issued as recently as 2011.
There are transitional arrangements. These laws were put in place, naturally enough, to improve the safety standard of the industry and the safety of removalists as well.
I believe it is good law. We understand the issues and are working towards resolving those transitional arrangements.
Dr BURNS (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016