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Mr PETER DEBNAM: I direct my question to the Premier. Given that State emergency workers have been exposed to asbestos in training facilities, that asbestos is present in at least 231 public schools and in December the Premier told Parliament that asbestos condemned its victims to "painful lives and horrible deaths", why is he now downplaying the threat of asbestos to emergency workers?
Mr MORRIS IEMMA: An independent scientific assessment of asbestos present at New South Wales Fire Brigades rescue training facility at Holsworthy army barracks has been conducted. It confirms the risk of exposure to those at the site, although it leading to asbestos-induced illness is generally considered to be low. From time to time New South Wales Fire Brigades and other emergency services used the site for specialised rescue training. I am advised that New South Wales Fire Brigades will develop a plan to address the recommendations in consultation with WorkCover, the unions and the Department of Defence. I am further advised that Commissioner Mullins has also commissioned an independent occupational health and safety specialist to review safety systems and to provide further advice to him. New South Wales Fire Brigades has a full complement of firefighters trained in urban search and rescue and planned training courses can be conducted at other sites. The Minister for Education and Training dealt last week with the matter in relation to schools.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! The honourable member for Southern Highlands will cease calling out.
Mr MORRIS IEMMA: In relation to the victims of James Hardie asbestos, I look forward to the support of the Leader of the Opposition for the deal struck by the New South Wales Government and the unions. I look forward to the support of his Federal colleagues in allowing the $4 billion compensation fund to proceed.