If you suspect asbestos or need advice, several organisations can help. Contacting them early can help prevent unnecessary exposure and make sure the right steps are taken.
Until 1987, asbestos was widely used across Western Australia, especially in building materials. You may still come across asbestos today in homes, public places and workplaces.
Asbestos regulators
The main asbestos regulators in Western Australia are:
- Department of Health
- WorkSafe, Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety
- Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
- Local governments, supported by Western Australia Local Government Association
Department of Health
The Department of Health administers the Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992. It manages public health risks from asbestos exposure and provides advice on safe handling in homes and public places, including asbestos‑contaminated soil.
If you suspect asbestos in your home or in a public place, contact the Environmental Health Directorate on phone (08) 9222 2000 or email ehinfo@health.wa.gov.au.
WorkSafe, Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety
WorkSafe regulates asbestos in workplaces. This includes licensing asbestos removalists and auditing licensed people and businesses.
If you suspect asbestos in your workplace, phone 1300 307 877 or email wscallcentre@lgirs.wa.gov.au.
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) regulates the safe transport and disposal of asbestos. It provides advice to help people and businesses meet environmental standards.
For information on transporting or disposing of asbestos, phone 1300 762 982 or email info@dwer.wa.gov.au.
Local government and Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA)
Local governments enforce the Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992. Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) are often the first point of contact for community concerns and questions about local asbestos issues.
The WALGA Local Government Directory provides contact details for councils across Western Australia. Contact your local council for assistance on asbestos issues or questions.
Other government agencies
Department of Education
The Department of Education manages asbestos issues in school buildings and other facilities under its control.
For an asbestos-related issue, contact your school's regional office.
Department of Housing and Works
The Department of Housing and Works manages asbestos issues related to:
- departmental housing and maintenance
- planning and delivery of new government buildings including schools, colleges, hospitals, prisons, courts and police stations
- review and remediation of asbestos in government-managed premises across metropolitan and regional Western Australia.
For enquiries relating to asbestos in departmental housing and maintenance, phone 1300 137 677 or email asbestos.housing@dohw.wa.gov.au
For enquiries relating to asbestos in government-managed premises, phone 1300 137 677 or email asbestos@dohw.wa.gov.au
Other contacts
Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia (ADSA)
ADSA is a charitable organisation that supports people with asbestos‑related diseases.
Phone: (08) 9344 4077
Email: info@asbestosdiseases.org.au
Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA)
ASSEA provides national coordination on asbestos matters and manages a register of individual suspected exposures.
Phone: 1300 326 148
Email: enquiries@asbestossafety.gov.au
Australian Asbestos Network
The Australian Asbestos Network provides a wide range of information on asbestos issues.
Email: asbestosstories@murdoch.edu.au
Cancer Council Helpline
The Cancer Council delivers information and support to people living with cancer, health professionals and the community.
Phone: 13 11 20
Mesothelioma and Dust Diseases Australia (MADDA)
MADDA supports people and families impacted by asbestos‑related diseases through dedicated support services.
Phone: (08) 9341 6116
Email: info@madda.org.au or support@madda.org.au
National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)
NATA (NATA) is the Australian government accredited peak body that ensures asbestos testing laboratories operate to recognised national and international standards.
To find a testing lab visit NATA’s accredited testing laboratory database.
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