Before renovation, demolition or repair work
Stop before work begins if a material is suspected of containing asbestos. Visual inspection, photographs, building age and material descriptions cannot confirm whether asbestos is present or whether material is safe. Do not collect a sample yourself.
Use the relevant authority below to check the current process for your location and circumstances. Ask that authority what kind of competent person, assessor or other professional is appropriate before any testing, repair or removal decision.
If material is accidentally disturbed
If material has been damaged or dust or debris has been released, stop work, leave the area and keep other people and pets away without re-entering. Contact the relevant official authority for incident guidance. Do not clean up or move debris. Call 000 only if there is an immediate threat to life, serious injury or fire.
Official state and territory sources
Asbestos responsibilities and regulator processes vary by jurisdiction, property use, work type and the condition of the material. Use the source for the property location and confirm any property-specific question directly with the authority.
NSW
New South Wales
SafeWork NSW - Asbestos
NSW asbestos health and work-safety information with links to incident, management and removal guidance.
Visit SafeWork NSWVIC
Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria - Asbestos
Victorian workplace-focused asbestos information and links to related safety and regulatory resources.
Visit WorkSafe VictoriaQLD
Queensland
Queensland Government - Asbestos portal
Queensland Government information for homes, workplaces, disposal questions and asbestos incidents.
Visit Queensland GovernmentWA
Western Australia
WorkSafe Western Australia - Asbestos
WA workplace asbestos overview with links covering responsibilities, management, licensing and removal.
Visit WorkSafe Western AustraliaSA
South Australia
SafeWork SA - Asbestos
South Australian workplace asbestos information and links to regulator notices and supporting resources.
Visit SafeWork SATAS
Tasmania
WorkSafe Tasmania - Asbestos safety
Tasmanian asbestos-safety landing page for householders, workplaces and people arranging building work.
Visit WorkSafe TasmaniaACT
Australian Capital Territory
ACT Government - Asbestos
ACT household information about where asbestos may be encountered and where to obtain further direction.
Visit ACT GovernmentNT
Northern Territory
NT WorkSafe - Asbestos
Northern Territory workplace asbestos overview with links to prevention, licensing and notification resources.
Visit NT WorkSafePlanning a property project?
The Wombat does not identify asbestos, assess legal requirements or certify work. Project requests are availability-dependent and do not guarantee supplier contact or a quote. This is not an emergency, asbestos identification or compliance service.
Start a project request