howard government knew about telstra pit asbestos, abbott refused to act

[not_an_eloi]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/labor-says-the-howard-government-knew-about-asbestos-in-te...

THE Howard coalition government was aware 12 years ago there was an asbestos problem in Telstra's pits and ducts, federal Labor says.
"The previous government knew all about it, and did nothing about it," cabinet minister Craig Emerson told Sky News this morning.

Telstra has been accused of cutting corners when handing over infrastructure to the national broadband network builder NBN Co after contractors and communities raised fears they had been exposed to the deadly material.

The Gillard government has been under pressure from the coalition to explain when and how much it knew about the asbestos problem at Telstra.

Fairfax Media says the giant telco wanted to create an independent body to accelerate compensation and sought approval from the Department of Workplace Relations in 2001.

However, the department, then under the ministerial leadership of Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, rejected the plan.

 
"He's the guy now complaining," Dr Emerson said.

"This is nothing more than a way of attacking the national broadband network by the coalition"

Earlier today, Industry Minister Greg Combet has issued a stern warning to Telstra over the issue.

Greg Combet, a former union heavyweight who pursued James Hardie over asbestos issues, said Telstra must do all it can to protect those affected by exposure to deadly asbestos in connection with the NBN.

"It is critical that it is done in mind with the greatest security for members of the community," Mr Combet told ABC Radio.

"We all know what is necessary and as you say I've got a lot of experience unfortunately with people being exposed to asbestos and by crikey they better do this job well."

Labor yesterday met with NBN co, Telstra and other stakeholders in Canberra to discuss the issue.

Workplace Minister Bill Shorten said a national taskforce would be set up to monitor exposure prevention and supervise contracting workers during the network rollout.

NBN sites have been shut down in several states after asbestos was disturbed in Telstra pits.

The issue dominated parliament yesterday and is expected to be a key topic in meetings of the Labor caucus and Coalition party room later today

[monman12]

"Professor Armstrong says the public lacks education about the dangers of asbestos."
"The politicians are also beating this up," Professor Armstrong said."
Both true.

I will also add my cynical view that as the NBN rollout has slowed, and will not meet its June 2013 target, this current "problem" will be a perfect explanation (excuse) for the tardy rollout.

May2013
Senator Conroy said "though rollout targets had been missed, progress had been made,.... we have 54,000 people today in Australia using the national broadband network.

PS
It is a NBNC, National Broadband Network Conspiracy.

[lakeland27]

No john, its a MSMLNPNPNBN conspiracy.. 

[monman12]

LL, I read an article (by mistake a  while ago  from your bullet ridden nut/media commentator apropos the NBN rollout, but thought that providing a reference to it would be somewhat inflammatory. I thought it nutty.

PS

"54,000 people today in Australia using the national broadband network." Gosh!

The Mercury Mar.2013

An NBN spokeswoman was unable to supply current figures on the uptake in Tasmania. Last June it comprised 700 people using fibre and 530 using fixed wireless broadband.

Gosh!

[nero_bolt]

Fascinating the screams and the out cry on here and in the media and from many in the public.

Most people living in a house built prior to  1990 will more than likely have some asbestos in it... Most likely in wet areas and in the eaves of your home yet no one is screaming about the dangers of that.

So how many of you live in a house built before 1990? If you do its 99% sure you have some asbestos in your home.... .and most people over the years at some stage have drilled it or sanded it or played with it or painted it etc etc.... 

The asbestos has been in telstra pits for 50 years and it is all of a sudden a problem......?

This is interesting and worth reading and its from the trusted ABC (they are not owned by Murdoch so its ok for the luvvies to read this story)

NBN asbestos risk exaggerated: Public health expert

http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2013/s3774155.htm

also here

http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/asbestos-and-health-risks.aspx

Everyone who has a concern should go here

http://www.asbestoswise.com.au/information-and-resources/asbestos-in-the-home/

I will ask again.... how many of you live in a house built before 1990? If you do its 99% sure you have some asbestos in your home....and most people over the years at some stage have drilled it or sanded it or played with it or painted it etc etc.... 

[monman12]

March 2013
NBN Digital Tasmania spokesman Andrew Connor said many people had not changed over to NBN fibre yet because of commitments to their current provider. "There are factors such as the number of pits, length of pipes to replace, asbestos removal works and other complications affecting the rollout."

Hang-on, that was March, and asbestos complications were known then (and I would assert well before then) so what has suddenly changed?

[lakeland27]

LL, I read an article (by mistake a  while ago  from your bullet ridden nut/media commentator apropos the NBN rollout, but thought that providing a reference to it would be somewhat inflammatory. I thought it nutty.

PS

"54,000 people today in Australia using the national broadband network." Gosh!

The Mercury Mar.2013

An NBN spokeswoman was unable to supply current figures on the uptake in Tasmania. Last June it comprised 700 people using fibre and 530 using fixed wireless broadband.

Gosh!

tasmania's not a large place, and yes existing 'plans' would have to be honoured before switchover. naturally some wouldn't .. those who had dial -up in the past may be still overwhelmed by asdl .. oh , and they may just play games on their smartphone.. some dont need any more than amusement on a small scale, whilst others and business definitely need it. you pays your money etc..

where its available i daresay the numbers have increased in a year.

[lakeland27]

Fascinating the screams and the out cry on here and in the media and from many in the public.

Most people living in a house built prior to  1990 will more than likely have some asbestos in it... Most likely in wet areas and in the eaves of your home yet no one is screaming about the dangers of that.

So how many of you live in a house built before 1990? If you do its 99% sure you have some asbestos in your home.... .and most people over the years at some stage have drilled it or sanded it or played with it or painted it etc etc.... 

The asbestos has been in telstra pits for 50 years and it is all of a sudden a problem......?

This is interesting and worth reading and its from the trusted ABC (they are not owned by Murdoch so its ok for the luvvies to read this story)

NBN asbestos risk exaggerated: Public health expert

http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2013/s3774155.htm

also here

http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/asbestos-and-health-risks.aspx

Everyone who has a concern should go here

http://www.asbestoswise.com.au/information-and-resources/asbestos-in-the-home/

I will ask again.... how many of you live in a house built before 1990? If you do its 99% sure you have some asbestos in your home....and most people over the years at some stage have drilled it or sanded it or played with it or painted it etc etc.... 

another rare commonsense post. does the author know something ? like the real culprits ?

[not_an_eloi]

no mention in this thread, to this paragraph in the OP

"Fairfax Media says the giant telco wanted to create an independent body to accelerate compensation and sought approval from the Department of Workplace Relations in 2001.

However, the department, then under the ministerial leadership of Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, rejected the plan".

btw, nerro, i'll ask you this question again.   are you a resident of queenland  

[monman12]

LL: "existing 'plans' would have to be honoured before switchover. naturally some wouldn't .. those who had dial -up in the past may be still overwhelmed by asdl"

"you pays your money etc.."

Actually you do not "get your choice" because there will be a compulsory shut-down of the copper network (no competition please, we are the NBN)

However, after September things could change!

[lakeland27]

i didn't think of that (copper gone) so these people use tablet /smartphone ? (those who dont use the available fibre) hard to imagine anyone here not activating it.

things may change in sept, but i get the feeling a few backflips are iminent too.