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Mr ANDREW TINK: My question is directed to the Premier. Given that parts of Eastwood railway station were closed to passengers and staff last week because of the risk of exposure to dangerous asbestos, how many other railway stations have asbestos present and how many commuters and staff are at risk?
Mr MORRIS IEMMA: I am advised by Railcorp that staff at Eastwood station were immediately relocated to other areas when Railcorp became aware last Thursday that asbestos had been disturbed in the station's booking office. Once Railcorp was aware of the situation the booking office was closed to all staff. In order to minimise the impact on passenger services Railcorp deployed extra ticket selling facilities and issued pay-at-destination slips at the station. WorkCover was also notified of the situation. I am advised that the following day asbestos technicians were brought onto the site. They confirmed that asbestos had been disturbed and that it was not a suitable work location. Railcorp had already taken the appropriate action and closed the booking office.
I am further advised by Railcorp that it is currently undertaking a detailed investigation to minimise the risk of asbestos-related dangers on their premises. I am advised that all work by the contractor that originally disturbed the asbestos has been stopped. Railcorp will be giving medical examinations to all staff who were potentially exposed to asbestos at Eastwood station as well as counselling if required. A temporary booking office was established at Eastwood station in time to service the Monday morning peak. This includes ticket-selling facilities temporarily sourced from Olympic Park and Hurstville stations. I am further advised that an asbestos specialist will be deployed to review all previous work that the contractor has undertaken on RailCorp premises. I am also advised that WorkCover will be on site on Wednesday to ensure that the temporary arrangements at Eastwood are suitable.