Asbestos

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (15:05): Supplementary: has the government contemplated a scheme whereby there may be some sort of subsidy or assistance with respect to removing asbestos, particularly in domestic settings, or is he aware of a similar scheme that might exist in another jurisdiction?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Deputy Premier, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (15:05): I am happy to take that on notice and look to see if there are any other schemes around the country in relation to the removal asbestos from domestic settings. Up until 20 years ago, asbestos was very, very widely used. There is asbestos, I know, that remains in buildings. Some of it is encased or doesn't cause harm to people, but of course there is asbestos that can potentially cause harm. But I am happy to go and have a look and see what other jurisdictions do.