A staggering number of asbestos related incidents in Queensland state schools have been released as pressure intensifies on the chaotic Palaszczuk Labor Government to be open and honest about the issue.
The LNP is calling on the Palaszczuk Labor Government to explain the delay in publicly releasing information that should be open for all Queenslanders to see.
Shadow Minister for Education Dr Christian Rowan said it took a 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
“These are the figures the Education Minister wanted hidden from parents and teachers,” Dr Rowan said.
“To have 575 separate asbestos related incidents across almost 290 schools is deeply concerning.
“That’s 575 times a parent had to wonder if their student has been exposed to asbestos, or a teacher had to consider if they work in an asbestos-exposed classroom.
“There are also serious concerns about the number of schools that recorded multiple separate incidents in a year.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government is losing control of the safety and wellbeing of our students and teachers.
“These figures are alarming and should concern parents, teachers and the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
“These figures may also be just the tip of the iceberg.
“Asbestos exposure is a serious public health matter, and it requires diligent management processes.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s handling of asbestos management in schools continues to remain extremely concerning.
“Students, parents, teachers and school staff deserve absolute transparency and accountability on this vitally important workplace health and safety issue.”
ENDS
Source: Question on Notice here
