Published on Monday, 4 May 2026 at 11:09:58 AM
The Australian Government’s Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) has launched a National Asbestos Awareness Campaign, running from April to June 2026, to help Australians better understand the risks of asbestos and how to manage it safely.
Australia has an estimated six million tonnes of asbestos still present in the built environment, particularly in homes and structures built before 1990. Many of these asbestos‑containing materials are now between 30 and 100 years old, increasing the risk of deterioration and the release of hazardous fibres when materials are damaged, disturbed or exposed.
This campaign is especially timely following widespread natural disasters in 2026, including bushfires, flooding and cyclonic weather events that have damaged homes, sheds and fences across multiple states. Damage, clean‑up and recovery works significantly increase the risk of accidental asbestos disturbance, particularly in older properties.
The campaign encourages asbestos preparedness, helping people understand:
- Where asbestos may be found in and around the home
- How to manage asbestos safely
- What steps to take before renovations, clean‑ups or disaster recovery
Asbestos exposure remains a serious public health issue, with more than 4,000 Australians dying each year from preventable asbestos‑related disease.
Residents, DIY renovators and tradespeople are encouraged to learn more and access trusted information at the Asbestos Safety Website, including guidance on identification, safe handling and disposal.
For more information, see 👉 https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/
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