Asbestos is present in many buildings constructed before the 1980s Generally, the presence of asbestos materials do not pose a health risk unless the material is broken, deteriorating or disturbed in such a way that dust containing asbestos fibres is produced (such as during sanding or sawing).
As a guide, homes built from 1988 onwards should be asbestos free, while homes built before that may contain significant amounts of asbestos.
Asbestos removal should be undertaken only by a licensed removalist. Unlicensed removal of limited amounts of asbestos is permitted in certain circumstances.
For a list of licensed asbestos removalists in your area, complaints regarding work carried out by an asbestos removalist, and enquiries or complaints about asbestos in the workplace visit
WorkSafe Victoria.
For enquiries about the potential health effects of exposure to asbestos visit
Department of Health.
For a list of licensed asbestos disposal sites in your areas and enquiries about the correct disposal of asbestos-containing materials visit
EPA.
To obtain a NATA-accredited laboratory in your area that can identify asbestos visit
National Association Testing Authorities
For enquiries or complaints about the incorrect removal of asbestos from a dwelling or disposal/dumping of asbestos in your neighbourhood
contact us or complete an online request.