No asbestos found in Tasmanian school sand samples, minister confirms

Initial testing has found no asbestos in coloured sand samples from Tasmanian schools, as authorities work to reopen dozens of facilities closed over contamination fears. What happens next.

Coloured sand products and Tasmanian schools.

No asbestos has been found in samples of coloured sand products in Tasmanian government schools, a parliamentary committee has heard.

More than 30 state schools were fully or partially closed on Wednesday because of the presence of children’s coloured sand products that have been found to contain naturally occurring asbestos.

The department website lists 12 that are closed on Thursday, with 22 partially closed.

Department for Education, Children and Young People secretary Ginna Webster said initial testing had found no asbestos.

Ginna Webster Secretary of the Department for Education, Children and Young People. Budget estimates 2025. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Early indications from testing, the physical testing of the samples conducted to date have not indicated the presence of asbestos.

“A number of these pre-cleaning samples provide a baseline to confirm that, even where the product was in extensive and recent use.

“The early indications are encouraging, but still require formal confirmation.”

Minister for Education Jo Palmer said work was continuing on cleaning, sampling and testing.

“I’m pleased to confirm that 11 schools that were fully closed yesterday are now partially open today. There were four schools that were either partially or fully closed yesterday that are now fully open today,” she said.

Jo Palmer Education Minister. Budget estimates 2025. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“It is going to take time to work through the remaining schools that remain either partially or fully closed at this stage, following on from testing of the recalled sand that commenced on Monday, and air sampling conducted yesterday.”

The Department for Education, Children and Young People said in a statement that it was working to keep schools and parents well-informed.

“The Department is working with all schools and providing comprehensive information to principals to share with staff.

“The Department Secretary has also provided an update to all department staff.

“The decision to close or partially close a childcare facility is a matter for the private provider.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued a nationwide recall on Kadink Decorative Sand after it was found to contain traces of chrysotile asbestos., The sand, sold at Officeworks, is available nationwide and batches from January 1 2020 to October 31 2025 are affected., It is used at some schools for sensory play, as well as arts and crafts.

“While providers are responsible for ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of children in education and care and for meeting work health and safety requirements, the Education and Care Unit is working with the sector and has provided them with information as well as suggested information for them to distribute to parents.”