By Andree Withey
Posted
The Queensland Government has been accused of putting lives at risk over workplace health and safety cuts for asbestos testing.
The Transport Workers' Union (TWU) says lab technicians who test asbestos samples have been cut from 45 to one.
TWU spokesman Peter Biagini says he only learned of the cuts this week while waiting for test results on asbestos dumping in Toowoomba.
"We've written a letter off to the Premier and asking him what he's putting in place to ensure that we can get quick responses to this," he said.
"It's not just about asbestos we're concerned about - any other hazardous product that's around the state and needs to be sent to the lab to ensure how serious it is."
The State Attorney-General's office, which is responsible for asbestos testing, says there were never 45 testing officers.
A spokesman says there are currently six officers and more in training, with private providers used in regional areas.
He says the turn-around time on tests is usually less than two hours.
Topics: activism-and-lobbying, public-sector, unions, asbestos, brisbane-4000, toowoomba-4350
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