Why a coalition?
The SA Asbestos Coalition was formed in 2005.It is a coalition of groups and individuals who are committed to raise public awareness and campaign about the dangers of asbestos in the community and the need for justice for the victims of asbestos related disease.
In South Australia many organisations have been doing excellent work in the area of asbestos for many years. We agreed it would be even more effective if we could also share our expertise and support each other in this important community issue.
Who is the Coalition?
We are a strategic coalition formed in SA to support each other to improve:
• The prevention of exposure to asbestos
• The proper removal of asbestos
• The public awareness about the dangers and proper handling of asbestos
• The medical treatment of victims
• The support and compensation of victims and their families
The SA Asbestos Coalition currently comprises:
Unions, Victims Groups, Legal Firms, Medical Practitioners, Asbestos Removal Companies, Training Organisations, SafeworkSA, Members of Parliament, Members of the Asbestos Advisory, Department of Health, Dept Transport, Energy and Infrastrucure, Researchers, Local Government members, the EPA and individual campaigners.
How does the Coalition operate?
The coalition meets monthly to hear information on specific areas of interest and expertise, share information with each other and identify issues where we can work together.
It is not an association or alternate body to any existing organisation. We have no formal structures or positions. SA Unions convenes and chairs the group. SafeworkSA provides secretarial support.
Achievements
Since 2005 the coalition has been involved in the following outcomes:
• Active involvement in the James Hardie campaign
• Increased wareness about the dangers of asbestos
• SA Asbestos Action plan
• Improved Dust Diseases Legislation
• Real estate legislation for asbestos notification
• Asbestos information to householders
• Improved processes for dealing with compensation for victims of asbestos diseases
• Information booths at home rennovation expos
• Support for asbestos victims at memorial ceremonies
• Link with Global campaigns to rid the world of asbestos
• Improved processes to deal with asbsetos in soil and landfill
• New national regulations and codes remained strong and enforcable
Coalition meetings
Meetings of the coalition are held monthly 10am until 11.30 at SA Unions, 46 Greenhill Road, Wayville.
For meeting dates for 2011 go to the events page.
How do I become a member of the coalition?
If you or your organisation is involved in asbestos and share our objectives then you are welcome to be part of the coalition. Just email to saunions@saunions.org.au and ask to be put on the list.
