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Australian statutory agency coordinating asbestos and silica safety
| Formed | 1 July 2013 |
|---|---|
| Preceding agency |
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| Jurisdiction | Commonwealth of Australia |
| Headquarters | Canberra, Australian Capital Territory |
| Minister responsible |
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| Agency executive |
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| Parent department | Department of Employment and Workplace Relations |
| Website | www |
The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) is an Australian Commonwealth statutory agency that coordinates national action on asbestos and silica safety. The agency was established on 1 July 2013 and was renamed on 7 December 2023 when its functions were expanded to include silica safety and silica related diseases under amendments to the agency’s enabling Act.[1][2]
The agency was created by the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Act 2013 to deliver a national focus on asbestos management and awareness, including coordination of the Asbestos National Strategic Plan.[3] On 7 December 2023 amendments to the Act expanded the agency’s remit to respirable crystalline silica and changed its name to Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency.[2][4]
Under the Act and associated policy framework, ASSEA:
- coordinates national strategies on asbestos and silica safety
- raises public awareness and provides guidance materials
- advises governments on policy and emerging risks
- reports on progress against national strategic plans
- supports national consistency in regulation and enforcement through cooperation with jurisdictions.[1][2]
The Act also establishes the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Council as a statutory advisory body to the agency.[5]
ASSEA coordinates the Asbestos National Strategic Plan 2024-2030 and the Silica National Strategic Plan 2024-2030, which were endorsed by the Commonwealth, states and territories in 2024.[6][7] The agency publishes operational plans, guidance, and annual reports on the Transparency Portal.[8][9]
ASSEA is a non corporate Commonwealth entity in the Employment and Workplace Relations portfolio. The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations has portfolio responsibility. Jodie Deakes was appointed Chief Executive Officer for a five year term commencing 19 November 2023.[10][11]
National media have reported on ASSEA’s work and policy advice, including coverage of proposals to accelerate safe removal of legacy asbestos and responses to silica risks.[12]
