Asbestos Framework Review Consultation

Safe Work Australia Media

Published February 25th, 2026

Detected March 13th, 2026

Summary

Safe Work Australia has opened a consultation on reviewing the Asbestos Framework. The review aims to strengthen model WHS laws to better control asbestos risks and support its prioritized removal. Feedback is welcomed from various stakeholders until April 26, 2026.

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What changed

Safe Work Australia has launched a public consultation to review and potentially strengthen its Asbestos Framework, which includes model WHS laws, regulations, codes of practice, and guidance. This review is a key component of the Asbestos National Strategic Plan and aims to improve the control of asbestos-related risks and facilitate the prioritized removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The consultation seeks input from a wide range of stakeholders, including industry experts, employers, workers, health and safety professionals, and educational institutions.

Regulated entities and interested parties are encouraged to provide feedback by the deadline of April 26, 2026. The submissions will inform recommendations for Safe Work Australia Members, expected in late 2026. This consultation represents an opportunity to influence future reforms to national asbestos regulations, ensuring they are evidence-based and effective in reducing asbestos risks and preventing related diseases. While no direct penalties are mentioned for non-participation, providing input is crucial for shaping future compliance obligations.

What to do next

Review the Asbestos Framework Review discussion paper.
Submit feedback via the online form by April 26, 2026.
Assess current asbestos management practices against potential future reforms.

Source document (simplified)

25 Feb 2026

Safe Work Australia is inviting feedback on the Asbestos Framework Review, which is examining how the model WHS framework can be strengthened to better control risks and support the prioritised removal of asbestos‑containing materials (ACMs).

The review will consider the model WHS laws, including regulations, codes of practice and guidance, and directly supports Safe Work Australia’s responsibilities under the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency’s Asbestos National Strategic Plan (ANSP).

Strengthening national asbestos controls is a key ANSP priority aimed at reducing asbestos exposure and preventing future asbestos-related disease.

We welcome feedback from anyone with an interest in asbestos management, including:

industry experts on asbestos management
employers and workers such as asbestos removalists, asbestos assessors, construction and demolition businesses
health and safety representatives and practitioners
people with management or control of workplaces where asbestos has been identified
vocational education institutions who provide training on asbestos safety
industry associations and unions, who may share the consultation with employers and workers
other interested WHS professionals and academics. Feedback from the consultation will help identify gaps, strengthen protections and shape practical reforms to the asbestos regulatory framework, ensuring that future updates to the laws, codes and guidance are evidence‑based, nationally consistent and focused on reducing asbestos risks.

The feedback will inform recommendations for consideration by Safe Work Australia Members in late 2026.

The consultation is open until 11:59 pm (AEST) on Sunday 26 April 2026. Visit the Consultation Hub to read the discussion paper and make a submission using our online form.