Have Your Say on Australia’s Asbestos Safety Framework Review
25 Feb 2026•BlueSafe Team•Source: Safe Work Australia
Safe Work Australia has opened public consultation on a major review of the national asbestos framework, seeking feedback on how the model WHS laws, regulations and guidance can be strengthened to better control asbestos risks and drive the prioritised removal of asbestos‑containing materials.
Safe Work Australia is calling for submissions on the Asbestos Framework Review, a comprehensive examination of how the model work health and safety (WHS) framework can be improved to more effectively control asbestos risks and support the prioritised removal of asbestos‑containing materials (ACMs) in Australian workplaces.
The review will assess all elements of the model WHS framework related to asbestos, including WHS regulations, model Codes of Practice and associated guidance material. This work directly supports Safe Work Australia’s responsibilities under the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency’s Asbestos National Strategic Plan (ANSP).
Strengthening national asbestos controls is a central ANSP priority, aimed at reducing occupational and environmental exposure to asbestos and preventing future asbestos‑related disease. Robust WHS management systems, supported by clear policies, safe work method statements (SWMS) and practical guidance, are critical to achieving these outcomes.
Safe Work Australia is seeking input from anyone with an interest or role in asbestos management, including PCBUs, workers, WHS professionals, unions, industry bodies, health and safety representatives, asbestos removalists, consultants, and community stakeholders. Feedback from these groups will assist in identifying regulatory gaps, improving protections and informing practical, evidence‑based reforms.
Submissions received through this consultation will help shape recommendations to strengthen the asbestos regulatory framework, ensuring that future amendments to laws, Codes of Practice and guidance are nationally consistent and focused on reducing asbestos risks at the source. The outcomes of the consultation will be considered by Safe Work Australia Members in late 2026.
The consultation is open until 11:59 pm (AEST) on Sunday, 26 April 2026. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the Consultation Hub to review the discussion paper and lodge a submission via the online form. Organisations looking to align their internal arrangements with best practice may also wish to review their WHS management systems and asbestos-related policies, such as those available through specialist providers like BlueSafe WHS Management Systems.