Wind Turbine Asbestos Shock!

This exchange is about the Australian Border Force's (ABF) response to asbestos found in the lift brake pads of imported wind turbines. Mr Reynolds of the ABF explained that after discovering the issue, the ABF "doubled down" on efforts by implementing a specific screening profile to target at-risk shipments. From 1 December to 1 April, 42 matching consignments were intercepted. 35 were cleared via document-based risk assessment; 4 were referred for laboratory testing (all returned negative results), whilst 3 were held pending further documentation. While Mr Reynolds could not explain how the original contaminated brake pads slipped past the border, he noted that the ABF relies on a combination of self-assessment by importers, risk-based targeting and severe financial penalties to deter illegal imports. Fines for deliberately importing asbestos without a permit can reach up to $330,000 for individuals and $1.65 million (or 15 times the value of the goods) for companies. Resolving the issue for contaminated turbines already operating in Australia falls under state government jurisdiction, not federal. Mr Reynolds took several questions on notice, promising to look into whether the original importers committed a deliberate or accidental offence, whether any fines or prosecutions have been levied against them, and if any current prosecutions are outstanding regarding the operational turbines. Transcript: https://www.malcolmrobertsqld.com.au/wind-turbine-asbestos-shock/