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Illegal Asbestos Imports Triple
The Australian Border Force has made 40 detections of products laced with deadly asbestos so far this year, a threefold increase on 2015-2016 figures. However, the construction firm Yuanda, who last year imported asbestos tainted building products from China, including roof panels discovered by workers in the Perth Children’s Hospital, has still not faced charges despite admitting responsibility.
The information was revealed at a Senate Estimates hearing recently.
Border Force commissioned an independent report on its management of asbestos at the border last year but the terms of reference did not include an examination of Australia’s regulatory framework.
Despite this, the report found that there have been a limited number of full investigations and subsequent prosecutions of asbestos related offences, ‘as it is difficult to prosecute against a ‘mistake of fact defence.’ The report recommended Borderforce ‘prioritise the investigation to improve prosecution of offences related to asbestos importation’.
Earlier this year the CFMEU recommended in its submission to the economics committee’s non-conforming building products inquiry that the offences in the Customs Act 1901 be reformed to allow for a greater number of successful prosecutions. The inquiry’s interim report is due 31 August 2017 and the final report on 31 October 2017.
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Environment Protection Regulations Kick In
The Environment Protection (Scheduled Premises) Regulations 2017 have now been made. They take effect from 25 June 2017, replacing the Environment Protection (Scheduled Premises and Exemptions) Regulations 2007.
The finalisation of the Regulations follows EPA’s consideration of comments about the regulatory impact statement and the exposure draft of the Regulations.
Visit EPA’s website for information, including:
- A summary of EPA’s responses to comments to the draft of the 2017 Regulations
- A list of key changes in these new Regulations
Email questions to: scheduled.premises@epa.vic.gov.au
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Sushil Suresh, ALGA's Communications & Marketing Manager
Sushil has worked in the print media for more than two decades. After completing his masters in journalism and mass communications, he worked in newspapers and magazines. Sushil’s work has mostly been in Sydney’s magazine industry. He has worked as an editor, writer and production editor on a variety of titles, including magazines for the trades and construction industries.
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Trevor Smith will head ALGA’s Education & Training program
Trevor Smith (MEngSc, MBA) brings a combination of engineering, business and education experience to ALGA. Trevor will develop and oversee all ALGA education and training.
Trevor is a civil and geotechnical engineer who commenced his career in underground structures, soil stabilisation and water management throughout Australia and Asia-Pacific. After completing his Master of Business Administration, Trevor worked internationally in senior positions with BHP, Conservatek (USA), Triodetic (Canada), and later set up his own consulting business. Trevor’s career has given him substantial experience in emerging technologies across multiple industries spanning 20 countries.
Trevor is certified in Auditing and Training & Assessment, and his ongoing commitment to our industry is demonstrated by his academic work over 15 years as a Professor of Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical and Water Technologies at a number of universities in Australia and overseas.
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Dear ExampleContactFirstName
This week I would like to begin with a very warm welcome to our two newest team members, being Trevor Smith and Sushil Suresh (brief bio's above). As both communication and education are part of the very core of our work, I know not only the membership but also the wider community, will quickly see the benefits of these initiatives. Should you wish to contact either of them directly - I know they would be pleased to hear from you.
Today, ALGA's is hosting an Asbestos workshop in Sydney - it is looking to work to identify ongoing issues and share ideas/know-how on asbestos in soil (ASBINS)—a problem that has, over the years, resisted our best efforts to tackle it. The workshop sold out within 7 days of registration being opened, so discussion is currently beiing held as to where and when the next one will be hosted. Please feel free to contact Bec Costelloe to register your interest and/or suggestion for time and place.
A reminder too, that there is limited spots available to attend the 2017 Regional Contaminated Land Conference in Queanbeyan. The program is jam packed - click here to view details. There is also plenty of networking opportunities during the day, as well as networking drinks to end the day from 5pm at the local "The Royal Hotel". Should you have any questions, please contact Shardai who is always happy to help!
As always any suggestions or concerns do not hesitate to contact me directly OR use the "soapbox" button on the website.
Enjoy!
Elisabethe Dank
Chief Executive Officer
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ALGA is continually building on it's library of resources on the website under the resources - papers tab click here. However please note, this is a member benefit only - a password will have been provided in your membership confirmation email.
This website section includes copies of recordings, powerpoint presentations and/or event summary reports for ALGA events held - click here
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East Meets West - Sydney Laboratory Tours
When: Tuesday, 20th June
Cost*: Free
Click here for more information and to register
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ALGA WA Mid-Year Networking Breakfast
When: Tuesday, 20th June
Cost*: $25 (ALGA members) $60 everybody else
Click here for more information and to register
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Regulatory and Technical challenges in Mine Rehabilitation
When: Tuesday, 20th June
Cost*: $25 (ALGA members) $60 everybody else
Click here for more information and to register
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Regulatory and Technical challenges in Mine Rehabilitation
SOLD OUT
When: Tuesday, 20th June
Cost*: $25 (ALGA members) $60 everybody else
Click here for more information and to register
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2017 Regional Contaminated Land Conference
When: Monday, 26th June
Where: Queanbeyan NSW
Cost*: $450 (ALGA members) $600 everybody else
Click here for more information and to register.
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Best of the Conference – Old Fashioned Contaminants
When: Tuesday, 27th June
Cost*: $25 (ALGA members) $60 everybody else
Click here for more information and to register
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Risk Assessment 101 - 2 Day Workshop
Auckland
Date: 17th to 18th July 2017
Venue: Auckland Council
Christchurch
Date: 20th & 21st July 2017
Venue: Environment Canterbury
SAVE THE DATE!
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Managing Landfill Contamination
When: Thursday, 27th July
Where: Crowne Plaza, Newcastle NSW
SAVE THE DATE!
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Groundwater Management for Infrastructure - Case studies from London Cross Rail and Technical Options for Australasian Projects
Melbourne
Monday, 31st July
Sydney
Wednesday, 2nd August
Auckland
Friday, 4th August
For more information and to register, please click on the location you would like to attend.
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* All fees listed are excluding GST
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