Newly released public data has revealed five asbestos related incidents in Bundaberg and Burnett schools.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has slammed the State Labor Government for not releasing this information to the public sooner.
Mr Bennett said it’s a matter of safety and wellbeing for students and teachers.
“Locally there have been five asbestos related incidents across three schools,” he said.
“Asbestos exposure is a serious public health matter; it requires diligent management processes.
“It appears the Labor Government is still focused on how things look instead of how they are, having hidden these figures from parents and teachers for years.”
The information came to light after Shadow Minister for Education Dr Christian Rowan asked Parliamentary Question on Notice to make the Palaszczuk Labor Government release the figures.
The State Government data found:
- 575 Total individual incidents
- 287 Total schools
- 22 Schools with 5+ recorded incidents
Mr Bennett said students, parents, teachers and school staff deserve absolute transparency.
“I was an asbestos removal specialist before I became an MP, so I’m all too aware of the dangers of this product,” he said.
“This is not something you muck around with or simply cover up.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s handling of asbestos management in schools continues to remain extremely concerning.”
Source: Question on Notice here
09/05/2023
ENDS.