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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-05-14 Daily Xml
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ASBESTOS, SCHOOL

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Education and Child Development, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:13): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: In December 2009, interactive whiteboards were installed in two classrooms at a school in the outer metropolitan region. Teachers and students were present in the classrooms during that day. In late 2010 asbestos was identified in these walls when further renovations were about to take place. The building material is known as chrysotile (5 per cent), a low-grade and highly stable type of asbestos. The official inspection confirmed the classrooms were safe for staff and students, and the school's asbestos register was updated to reduce further risks.

In April 2013, when additional whiteboards were to be installed, it was drawn to the principal's attention by the school's occupational health and safety representative that the earlier work in mention had been completed before asbestos was identified. Attendance records identify 47 children and four teachers were present during parts of the day. The school's governing council was advised last night, and a letter to parents will be posted today. The principal will also be calling affected parents to discuss this matter with them.

I have requested that arrangements be made for a health professional to be available at the school to provide advice to parents and affected staff. I have also been assured the risk of exposure is considered low. Parents are being advised to contact their family doctor to ensure this information is placed on their child's personal health record, and the school will reimburse any costs.

The school and the department will work closely with students and parents to ensure questions and needs are addressed in a prompt and sensitive manner. I understand it will be distressing for parents to receive this information and my priority at this time is to ensure they get the information and advice they will need. Further to that, I will be seeking a full report and assurances that all required notifications have now been made, and advice on any improvements that can be put in place to prevent similar circumstances from happening again.

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