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

[lakeland27]

 Yep, the hypocrisy is astounding  but expected.

[donnashuggy]

 Yep, the hypocrisy is astounding  but expected.

That's what I said yesterday 😄

[lakeland27]

That's what I said yesterday 😄

I copy you all the time . i'd say you were 100% correct 🙂

[donnashuggy]

http://www.thedeadlynewt.com/the-turnbulls-and-an-investment-in-the-nbn/

I think the above is slightly more to the point though

[lakeland27]

 Turnbull is in politics to make more money . he's clearly demonstrated he has no ethical reason to be there, so what else can it be.

normally , his involvement in the HIH collapse would be enough to see him recognised for the insect he is, but not in ruperts australia.

[nero_bolt]

Just let me remind you of this while you have your labor luv in

Latest news poll  42 Labor  to 58 LNP what a hiding they will get

Newspoll has Labor on just 42 to the Coalition 58,

http://community.ebay.com.au/topic/Community-Spirit/Latest-Polls-Voters/500164773

The bottom line is... NO ONE is listening to Julia or Labor...

and just as a side note.... there has been asbestos in the pits for 50 years and everyone knew it was there from both sides of the govts to the unions and NBN and a gaggle of govt depts..

But a reminder again 

Latest news poll  42 Labor  to 58 LNP 

[*mrgrizz*]

shareholders problem now:^O

[not_an_eloi]

funny, the timin' for this problem 'discovery' to be made, in the final months of the lead-up to this election, by a character with the surname of o'farrell

a furphy, beat-up.   removal of pits-in-whole is the simple answer, 'ere. in an open-air environment, not a problem. 

[catsnknots]

actually it was a Telstra decision to leave the asbestos where it is... it has been a very well known problem for many years.... 

A health and safety audit was done and it was decided that leaving the stuff in the ground was better than replacing it... 

I believe that after the pipes or ducts are damaged they would be appropriately be repaired... with the appropriate health and safety precautions.... 

If Conroy did a Risk/Benefit analysis they would have realised that there was more to the ducts and pipes than them just holding copper wire...