When it comes to asbestos safety in Australia, effective national coordination is essential. While licensed inspectors like those at Global Asbestos Audits play a critical role in on-the-ground asbestos inspections and compliance support, overarching policy leadership is driven by a dedicated government body: the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.
Established in 2013, this agency was created to lead the national response to the challenges posed by asbestos, with a focus on improving awareness, management, and the safe removal and disposal of asbestos across Australia.
A National Leader in Asbestos Safety
The agency’s primary responsibility is to coordinate the implementation of Australia’s Asbestos National Strategic Plan, a comprehensive roadmap designed to eliminate asbestos-related diseases by reducing exposure risks nationwide.
Key focus areas include:
- Supporting Commonwealth, State, Territory, and local governments in delivering safe asbestos management practices
- Promoting consistency in policies and public messaging
- Encouraging collaboration between regulators, industry, unions, and experts
- Conducting and promoting research into effective asbestos safety strategies
- Collecting data to measure national progress and inform future action
Although the agency does not have enforcement powers, it plays a vital role in shaping the standards that guide the handling and understanding of asbestos throughout Australia.
Expanded Role: Now Covering Silica Safety
On 7 December 2023, the agency’s responsibilities were expanded to also include silica-related safety, a growing area of concern in the construction and mining industries. This expansion was formalised through amendments to the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Act 2013, and the agency was officially renamed the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency.
With this broader mandate, the agency now also leads the Silica National Strategic Plan, aiming to reduce health risks associated with respirable crystalline silica, another harmful substance commonly found in engineered stone, concrete, and other building materials.
How Global Asbestos Audits Align with National Goals
At Global Asbestos Audits, we strongly support the mission of the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency. Our team works directly with commercial property owners, businesses, and government bodies to identify and manage asbestos risks through:
- Division 5 and Division 6 asbestos audits to meet WHS requirements
- Asbestos testing and sampling in line with national standards
- Creation of asbestos registers and management plans
- Risk assessments and compliance reporting
Our work on the ground complements the agency’s strategic leadership, bridging the gap between national policy and practical, safety-focused action on-site.
Understanding the Agency’s Legal Structure
The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency is a non-corporate Commonwealth entity under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. Its CEO, appointed under its own legislation, is responsible for carrying out its functions in line with an annual operational plan approved by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.
While the agency provides general guidance on asbestos and silica safety, enforcement remains the responsibility of Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulators in each State and Territory.
Why The Agency Matters for Australian Workplaces
For businesses and property owners, understanding the agency’s role is more than just background knowledge; it’s an essential part of maintaining compliance and workplace safety. The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency helps set the direction for how asbestos is approached in Australia, while licensed professionals like Global Asbestos Audits ensure those standards are implemented effectively on the ground. Global Asbestos Audits helps educate our clients on the importance of the guidelines.
If you manage or own a commercial building built before 2004, you may be legally required to have an asbestos inspection and management plan in place. Our licensed inspectors are here to help ensure you meet your obligations and protect your staff, tenants, and contractors.
Book a professional asbestos inspection with Global Asbestos Audits today and be part of a safer, asbestos-free future, aligned with Australia’s national strategy.