Sep 29, 2026 · 1 hr 30 min · 13 segments
Send us Fan Mail Asbestos Still Kills (A.S.K.) Podcast ® Episode 9: 'Asbestos Removal in Australia - The view from the front line' with Cameron…
Robert McAllisterHost
Terri-Ann BerryHost
Jason MilnerHostAs far as moving on a little bit, Cameron, you know, we look really at the asbestos removal industry and knowing that you're one of 3,600 licensed asbestos removalists working in Australia was quite a big number, especially for us over in New Zealand.
So, I suppose covering off, we are really going to talk about some of the real challenges because it'd be interesting to understand what you have to face each day.
So I suppose I kick it off with what about legislative changes? Are there any that you're aware of or anything that's causing concern for you?
Well, look, when we mention that there's 3,600 active asbestos removal licenses, that is a challenging number to actually verify.
And those licenses are a registered supervisor through SafeWork NSW be attached to the license to do the work.
I believe it's not dissimilar in other states of Australia and in New Zealand.
So there is a potential that many of those licensed no longer have an active supervisor associated with the proven credentials and tenure to be able to supervise the works.
On top of that, from having renewed our license earlier this year, it went from license number 213612 to license 214717.
Some of those licenses may have up to 100 active supervisors and therefore have 100 active job sites per day.
But yes, especially in our built-up urban cities, there's no shortage of companies that are licensed or even individuals licensed to do asbestos removal work.
Talking about the legislative changes there, and I think you covered it really well, Cameron.
I suppose just picking up on that, the level of complexity that you just explained is pretty shocking, especially, as I say, for us in New Zealand, we have a much smaller window to manage.
Cover a little bit more around the different states having different roles and processes.
The framework for work health and safety is somewhat commissioned from a federal level.
As far as moving on a little bit, Cameron, you know, we look really at the asbestos removal industry and knowing that you're one of 3,600 licensed asbestos removalists working in Australia was quite a big number, especially for us over in New Zealand.
So, I suppose covering off, we are really going to talk about some of the real challenges because it'd be interesting to understand what you have to face each day.
So I suppose I kick it off with what about legislative changes? Are there any that you're aware of or anything that's causing concern for you?
Well, look, when we mention that there's 3,600 active asbestos removal licenses, that is a challenging number to actually verify.
And those licenses are a registered supervisor through SafeWork NSW be attached to the license to do the work.
I believe it's not dissimilar in other states of Australia and in New Zealand.
So there is a potential that many of those licensed no longer have an active supervisor associated with the proven credentials and tenure to be able to supervise the works.
On top of that, from having renewed our license earlier this year, it went from license number 213612 to license 214717.
Some of those licenses may have up to 100 active supervisors and therefore have 100 active job sites per day.
But yes, especially in our built-up urban cities, there's no shortage of companies that are licensed or even individuals licensed to do asbestos removal work.
Talking about the legislative changes there, and I think you covered it really well, Cameron.
I suppose just picking up on that, the level of complexity that you just explained is pretty shocking, especially, as I say, for us in New Zealand, we have a much smaller window to manage.
Cover a little bit more around the different states having different roles and processes.
The framework for work health and safety is somewhat commissioned from a federal level.
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