Safe Work Australia is reviewing how asbestos risks are managed and how asbestos-containing materials are safely removed. The review will look at possible changes to the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations for asbestos and related Codes of Practice and guidance materials. You can read the full Terms of Reference for the Asbestos Framework Review here.
Why are we doing this review
The third phase of the Asbestos National Strategic Plan 2024–2030 has been endorsed by the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments. The plan continues national efforts to eliminate asbestos-related diseases in Australia and focuses on practical steps to safely remove old asbestos-containing materials from buildings. There are a number of actions for Safe Work Australia to lead or support in the Asbestos National Strategic Plan.
This review will:
support Safe Work Australia’s actions under the Asbestos National Strategic Plan
address policy issues identified in the 2023 asbestos-related review 'Consultation on the requirements for competent persons in relation to asbestos-related tasks'
consider whether the technical guide 'NOHSC Guidance Note on the membrane filter method for estimating airborne asbestos fibres (2005)' is still current and technically accurate.
Making a submission
Submissions are sought by 11:59 pm (AEST) Sunday 26 April 2026. Submissions can be made by completing the survey under the Have your say section. You can response to the questions in the Discussion Paper by completing an online questionnaire or by uploading your own written submission.
Demographic data will be collected as part of this process through completing the submission form.
You can decide how your submission is published on the Consultation Hub by choosing from the following options:
submission published with your name, your organisation’s name, or a pseudonym
submission published anonymously, or
submission not published.