The phase-out of asbestos in the Australian manufacturing environment

The importation of raw asbestos and asbestos-containing products into Australia was banned at the end of 2003. Despite a high incidence of asbestos-related disease, it was the threat of industrial action that eventually persuaded Australian governments to impose a ban. Significant government-sponsored reports in 1990 and 1999 had not convinced politicians that a phase-out of chrysotile was feasible. An impediment for government and industry was the risk of unemployment of asbestos workers. The threat of future asbestos exposures remains for maintenance workers. An example is given of the need for continued vigilance of workers and their unions before the manufacturing environment can be relatively asbestos-free.