Supporters of those with asbestos-related diseases see Australia’s proposal to close their asbestos register as a way to mask the ever growing problem in a country that’s suffered widely due to asbestos use.

The federal government recently announced its intention to put an end to the register, which serves to record new cases of mesothelioma as they arise. But New South Wales (NSW) Industrial Relations Minister John Della Bosca said the closure of the register “would only serve as a crude attempt to try and hide the full extent of those suffering from asbestos-related diseases,” reports a story on News Nine.

“You need look no further than the plight of the James Hardie workers … to see it is essential a register is retained,” he said in a statement. “Instead of abolishing the register, an improved model needs to be found to make the tracking and monitoring of asbestos-related diseases even more effective.”

However, the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) says the register is inadequate. “The current collection (of information) was useful in the past, but no longer adequately takes into account changing circumstances,” an ASCC statement read.

The ASCC said it would instead publish an annual report on new cases and deaths, including trends over time, and a report on the circumstances of past exposure to asbestos.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 16th, 2007 at 9:13 am and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.