Fed: Ministers agree to pull back halt of asbestos

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2000
Fed: Ministers agree to pull back halt of asbestos

A meeting of workplace relations ministers in Melbourne has agreed to bring forward
the end of the import of deadly asbestos from five years to three.

The National Occupational Health and Safety Authority recently recommended the Federal
Government phase out asbestos and asbestos-related products by 2005.

But after union and community protests and a landmark industrial deal yesterday, state
ministers and Workplace Relations Minister PETER REITH have agreed to a new phase-out
date by the end of 2003.

Yesterday's deal between the Victorian government, unions and Australia's largest user
of asbestos, brake pad manufacturer Bendix Mintex, settled on the same phase-out date.

That deal was subject to the minister's approval of the earlier date at today's meeting.

Victorian WorkCover Minister BOB CAMERON says in the remaining three years the very
best health and safety protections will be utilised by workers still dealing with asbestos.

Meanwhile, asbestos victims have called on ministers to bring the phase-out back to two years.

AAP RTV hmg/jlw/nf

KEYWORD: BENDIX DEAL (MELBOURNE)

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