Vale View State School, Bunker’s Hill State School and Harristown State High School are among 287 state schools across Queensland where there were asbestos-related incidents last year.
Minister For Education Grace Grace said in all schools where asbestos is found, the Department of Education sends a letter to parents and caregivers advising what precautions have been implemented in response to the incident.
“It is the department’s policy that written advice is provided to parents and caregivers within 24 hours of an asbestos-related incident occurring, which is managed by the school individually,” Ms Grace said.
“It is not uncommon for asbestos to be found in Queensland schools built before the 1990s.
“The number of potential asbestos exposures is always concerning; however, it is important to note that not all records in the database are confirmed cases.
“The department has a comprehensive program for the safe management and removal of asbestos across our schools.” In total, there were 575 total incidents across the 287 schools, with 22 schools recording five or more incidents.
The incident at Ramsay State School was recorded on 6 January 2022 and the incident at Bunker’s Hill State School on 21 January 2022.
There were two incidents recorded at Harristown State High School, on 13 January and 9 May 2022.
Shadow Minister for Education Dr Christian Rowan said it took a Parliamentary Question on Notice to make the Palaszczuk Labor Government release the figures.
Asbestos found at local schools Vale View State School, Bunker’s Hill State School and Harristown State High School are among 287 state schools across Queensland where there were asbestos-related incidents last year.
“These are the figures the Education Minister wanted hidden from parents and teachers,” Dr Rowan said.
“That’s 575 times a parent had to wonder if their student has been exposed to asbestos, or a teacher had to consider if they work in an asbestos-exposed classroom.
“Asbestos exposure is a serious public health matter, and it requires diligent management processes.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s handling of asbestos management in schools continues to remain extremely concerning.
“Students, parents, teachers and school staff deserve absolute transparency and accountability on this vitally important workplace health and safety issue.”
This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 18 May 2023.
