Queensland Government list of every state school with an asbestos breach in 2022

Dozens of Darling Downs schools have been named in a statewide audit of facilities where students were exposed to loose asbestos fibres. At least one Toowoomba school that clocked a concerning six breaches.

Harristown State School has been revealed as one of the worst performing schools in Queensland when it comes to managing its students’ exposure to asbestos.

In the 2022 calendar year, there were six asbestos incidents at the school that were serious enough to warrant a letter home to parents.

Toowoomba primary school comes in behind Gordonvale State High School, Ithaca Creek State School, Mackay State High School, Moorooka State School, Spinifex State College and Springwood Road State School which all had more than seven incidents in 2022.

The data was released by the Queensland Government after Shadow Education Minister Dr Christian Rowan put a Question on Notice about asbestos exposures to the parliament.

It revealed there were 575 incidents across 287 schools.

“To have 575 separate asbestos related incidents across almost 290 schools is deeply concerning,” he said.

“That’s 575 times a parent had to wonder if their student has been exposed to asbestos, or a teacher had to consider if they work in an asbestos-exposed classroom.”

The six Harristown State School incidents date from May 17, June 19, September 1, October 19, October 25 and December 8.

There were four incidents at Crows Nest State School, four at Stanthorpe State High School, two at Gabbinbar State School, two at Harristown State High School, four at Kingaroy State High School, two at Toowoomba State High School and two at Wilsonton State School.

In its response to the question, the Queensland Education Department said it has “detailed procedures” to manage asbestos exposure.

This included notifying parents and guardians within 24 hours that outlined what precautions were taken.

Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace said it was common to find asbestos in schools built before the 1990s.

“It’s not uncommon for asbestos to be found in Queensland schools built before the 1990s.

“The number of potential asbestos exposures is always concerning, however it is important to note that not all records in the database are confirmed cases and that schools individually manage the distribution of written advice to parents and caregivers for potential incidents.

“We want to create a culture of reporting potential incidents to keep our records up to date and to ensure appropriate testing and support is provided.

“It is also important to note that the department is rolling out a record infrastructure spend that includes the Cooler Cleaner Schools Program, the Advancing Clean Energy Schools solar panel program, the Schools Refresh Program as well as extensive repairs and maintenance following flooding events.

“In 2013 the then LNP Government recklessly reclassified low-density asbestos board (LDB) as non-friable.

“In 2021 the Palaszczuk Government reversed this decision after a review showed the seriousness of this asbestos containing material – which now means the LDB is reportable.

“This change means that only a Class A licensed asbestos removalist can remove LDB – a move that is helping keep Queenslanders safe.”

The Queensland Goverment has committed to spending $108 million over four years for the removal of all low-density asbestos fibre boards and $20 million for sampling and testing asbestos material found in schools, early childhood education centres and outdoor education centres.

Originally published as Queensland Government list of every state school with an asbestos breach in 2022