Asbestos was mined, imported and used widely in Australian construction until bans came in — partial from the mid-1980s and a full ban at the end of 2003. Because it was used for so long and in so many products, plenty of it is still in place across the country today.
Asbestos was cheap, abundant, fire-resistant, durable and a good insulator — so it ended up in everything from cement sheeting and pipes to insulation, textiles and floor tiles. Those same useful properties are why it became so widespread before the health risks were fully understood.
A ban stops new use; it doesn't remove what's already installed. Millions of Australian buildings constructed before 2004 still contain asbestos in good condition. That's not necessarily a problem — undisturbed material is generally low risk — but it does mean older buildings should be checked before any work that might disturb it.
If your property predates 2004, treat suspect materials as potentially asbestos until tested. Knowing what's there lets you manage it sensibly — leave it, seal it, or remove it — rather than disturbing it by accident.
Call 1300 019 657, 7 days a week, or book an inspection and we'll give you a clear answer.
