Ministers welcome recommencement of pit remediation

Telstra’s announcement that pit remediation work for the NBN will recommence on 19 August has been welcomed by Bill Shorten, the Minister for Workplace Relations, and Anthony Albanese, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

“Telstra has worked constructively with the government and other stakeholders to put in place a comprehensive program to address the issues posed by the existence of asbestos in parts of its network,” Minister Shorten said. “Everyone has the right to go to work and come home safely.”

The independent Asbestos Taskforce, established by the Australian Government in June, has agreed on a range of measures to ensure all of Telstra’s work crews are appropriately trained and monitored, and follow correct work safety practices.

The Taskforce is headed by Geoff Fary (Chair, Asbestos Management Review) and its membership includes representatives from Telstra, NBN Co, the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA), Comcare, industry unions, asbestos community support groups and work, health and safety experts.

“There can be no short cuts when it comes to asbestos,” Minister Albanese said. “This is a positive development for those subcontractors who have been awaiting Telstra’s resumption of remediation work.”