Demolition & Asbestos Industry Association

DAIA is one of the few Australian associations sitting squarely at the intersection of licensed asbestos removal, demolition and resource recovery, with a mixed membership across all three trades.

How they got started

DAIA was established in February 2006 to represent the broader resource recovery sector. It has operated under several names as the membership evolved: originally the Demolishers, Recyclers & Asbestos Contractors Association of Queensland (DRACAQ, 2006–2016), then the Demolition Contractors Association Qld (DCAQ, 2013–2017), then briefly the Demolition Industry Association Queensland (DIAQ, 2017–2018), before adopting the current Demolition & Asbestos Industry Association name, re-emphasising asbestos work alongside demolition.

What they stand for

DAIA's vision is to advance and lead its industries in compliance, sustainability and best practices. Its published Objects and Code of Ethics emphasise safety first, honest dealing, evidence-based technical advice, public education on asbestos hazards, and a cooperative environment for member businesses. Recurring themes are safe practice, sustainable change (especially deconstruction and recycling over straight demolition), and strong industry representation to government.

How they help the industry

• Members Directory: public listings of asbestos removalists, demolition contractors and industry suppliers
• MTO Group training partnership: discounted access for members to Certificate III and Certificate IV in Demolition
• Mills Oakley legal webinars: scenario-based 45-minute sessions plus 15-minute Q&A, free to members, with Elias Jeha
• Reference library: Queensland WHS Codes of Practice for asbestos management, asbestos removal and demolition work, plus Queensland Health and WorkSafe Queensland licensing resources
• Sponsor and partner network: including Action Metal Recyclers, Allcott Hire, Allens Industrial, BMI Group and Turner Freeman Lawyers

Notable initiatives

DAIA operates under a 12-point Code of Ethics and a Code of Best Practice that members commit to on joining. In December 2017 the association published the "Don't Mess with Asbestos" awareness article featuring John Jarratt, ambassador for the National Asbestos Awareness Campaign. The Mills Oakley scenario-based legal webinar series remains a recurring member benefit, and DAIA publishes an annual sponsor and event opportunities prospectus indicating an active events program.

Why it matters for asbestos professionals

For removalists, demolishers and recyclers handling downstream asbestos waste, DAIA membership delivers a public directory listing, discounted nationally recognised demolition training, regular legal and compliance webinars, and a collective voice into Queensland WHS regulators on the rules these businesses actually have to follow.