Priority 1: Asbestos in discrete Aboriginal communities

Asbestos in these communities can be extensive and is deteriorating, increasing the health risk to communities. Asbestos management and removal can be expensive and requires specialist knowledge. The challenges normally posed by asbestos removal are magnified in DACs due to issues of remoteness, funding constraints and access to appropriate specialists.

The EPA provides some funding to remove asbestos in DACs. The funding is time-limited and can only assist a small number of communities. There is no current capacity to respond comprehensively across all DACs.

The presence of asbestos also impedes or delays other Government initiatives and investments aimed at assisting DACs.

Lead and partners

Co-lead: the EPA, DPIE (Aboriginal Outcomes) and DPIE (Aboriginal Housing Office)

Partners: Aboriginal Affairs NSW, NSW Aboriginal Land Council, NSW Health, Regional NSW (Public Works Advisory), and Regional NSW (Aboriginal Procurement)

Outcomes

• Aboriginal people understand the risks of asbestos, how to stay safe, and who to contact if they need help.
• Asbestos clean-up in Aboriginal communities is prioritised according to fair and transparent criteria.
• Asbestos management in discrete Aboriginal communities is coordinated with other Government programs and initiatives to minimise disruption to communities while maximising outcomes.

Actions

1. The EPA will develop and deploy an asbestos education and awareness program for NSW Aboriginal communities.
2. The EPA will continue to use existing funding to clean up asbestos in Aboriginal communities. 
3. The NACC will develop criteria and options to prioritise government effort and investment to clean up asbestos in discrete Aboriginal communities.
4. The EPA and the DPIE will partner through the Roads to Home Program to coordinate efforts from the Aboriginal Communities Water and Sewerage Program, Aboriginal Communities Waste Management Program, Aboriginal Lands Clean-up Program, Aboriginal Communities Bushfire Clean-up Program, Housing for Health, and improvements to Aboriginal housing through both the Roads to Home Maintenance Program and Aboriginal Community Housing Investment Fund.