About us

asbestos.vic.gov.au

This website is a collaborative project involving the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA Victoria), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and WorkSafe Victoria (WorkSafe). Collectively, we have responsibility for the regulation and protection of Victorians from exposure to asbestos at home, at work and in the environment.

EPA Victoria (Environment Protection Authority)

EPA Victoria is part of Victoria's environment portfolio (along with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) (opens in a new window)and Sustainability Victoria(opens in a new window)) charged with protecting the Victorian environment. EPA reports to the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change(opens in a new window).

Since 1 July 2018 EPA has had a new governance structure, ensuring it is better equipped than ever to protect Victorians from the harmful effects of pollution and waste.

The Governing Board(opens in a new window) was announced on 23 May 2018 and replaced the Interim Advisory Board that had operated since January 2017. You can read more in a media release(opens in a new window) from the Minister for Energy, Environment & Climate Change. Strengthening and modernising EPA's governance, and establishing the Authority as an independent environmental regulator is part of the Victorian Government's vision for EPA, as outlined in its response to the Independent Inquiry(opens in a new window) into the EPA's role.

EPA's sole role is to regulate pollution and it has independent authority to make regulatory decisions under the Environment Protection Act 1970(opens in a new window). EPA aspires to create a healthy environment that supports a liveable and prosperous Victoria. By effectively regulating pollution in Victoria, EPA strives to deliver clean air, healthy waterways, safe land and minimal disturbances from noise and odour for Victorians.

Find out more by visiting the EPA website(opens in a new window).

Department of Health and Human Services

DHHS works to achieve the best health, wellbeing and safety for all Victorians so they can lead a life they value. The department covers the responsibilities of the Minister for Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Housing, Minister for Child Protection, Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, and Minister for Prevention of Family Violence. The Health Protection Branch contributes environmental health expertise to state and national policy in relation to asbestos and public health.

WorkSafe Victoria

WorkSafe plays a critical role in workplace safety, as the state's occupational health and safety regulator and manager of Victoria's workers' compensation scheme. Broadly, our role involves:

  • helping prevent workplace injuries occurring
  • enforcement of Victoria's occupational health and safety laws
  • providing reasonably priced workplace injury insurance for employers
  • helping injured workers back into the workforce
  • managing the workers' compensation scheme by ensuring the prompt delivery of appropriate services and adopting prudent financial practices.

For more information, visit the WorkSafe website(opens in a new window).

The Victorian Asbestos Eradication Agency (VAEA)

The Victorian Asbestos Eradication Agency (VAEA) was established in December 2016 as a subsidiary of WorkSafe Victoria(opens in a new window), reporting to the Minister for Workplace Safety. The agency will oversee the removal of asbestos from over 12,000 government-owned buildings including hospitals, schools, police and fire stations, prisons, and other structures.

We are working across government to develop a consistent approach to the risk-based removal of asbestos that is informed, measured, systematic and safe. This includes:

  • developing a register of asbestos locations
  • devising a risk assessment model to prioritise asbestos hazards
  • scheduling the removal of asbestos from identified buildings
  • reporting on the progress of removal

Ultimately this collaborative effort will achieve the eradication of asbestos from Victorian government buildings, helping prevent asbestos exposure, reduce the risk of asbestos-related diseases, and make Victorian workplaces and communities safer.

For more information see the VAEA website(opens in a new window).

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