Asbestos Waste Disposal

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (14:45): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Health and Wellbeing a question about asbestos removal at SA Health properties.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: I was recently contacted by a constituent who had expressed concerns about the removal of asbestos from an SA Health property. In particular, there is concern that the protocols surrounding asbestos removal have not been followed at the women's health service clinic in North Adelaide.

In such circumstances, I understand that asbestos would have to be removed by licensed asbestos removalists and that public notification, particularly to the staff at the centre, should be made to advise of when the removal will be undertaken. This is to ensure that management and staff can make adequate arrangements to ensure their safety. My questions to the minister are:

1. Can the minister advise if there was or is asbestos at the site of the women's health clinic in North Adelaide?

2. Has or will this asbestos be removed or disturbed?

3. If so, what steps have been taken to notify staff and the public?

4. Can the minister provide an assurance that correct procedures for asbestos removal have been adhered to at this site?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:46): I thank the honourable member for his question. I am certainly keen to have a conversation with the member after question time to identify which particular clinic he is referring to and whether that is part of the Women's and Children's Hospital precinct or elsewhere. I don't recall any issues being raised with me about concerns about asbestos removal.

As the honourable member alludes to, there are strict requirements enforced by law in relation to asbestos removal and I would be keen to follow up the concerns that have been raised with the Hon. Mr Darley.