State-by-State Guide to Asbestos Notification Requirements in Australia

Why notification is required

Before licensed asbestos removal work begins, the WHS Regulations require the person with management or control of the workplace (or the licensed removalist, depending on the jurisdiction) to notify the relevant work health and safety regulator. This gives the regulator the opportunity to inspect the site, verify that proper controls are in place, and maintain records of asbestos removal activity. If you're new to the removal process, our guide on what to expect during asbestos removal covers the full timeline and your responsibilities.

Notification requirements are broadly consistent across Australia because most states and territories have adopted the model WHS Regulations. But there are differences in forms, submission methods, and some local variations worth knowing about.

General rules under the model Regulations

Under the model WHS Regulations, written notice must be given to the regulator at least five days before licensed asbestos removal work starts. For friable asbestos removal (Class A work), this five-day notice period is mandatory. For non-friable removal (Class B licensed work), five days' notice is also the standard requirement.

The notification must include the address of the workplace, the date removal work is expected to start, a description of the asbestos to be removed, and details of the licensed removalist who will carry out the work.

State-by-state breakdown

New South Wales — SafeWork NSW

NSW follows the model Regulations. Five days' written notice via SafeWork NSW's online portal. Both the PCBU and the licensed removalist have notification obligations.

Victoria — WorkSafe Victoria

Victoria operates under its own OHS Act and Regulations 2017 rather than the model WHS Act, but the requirements are functionally similar. Five days' notice to WorkSafe Victoria. For friable removal, the notification must include details of the independent air monitor.

Queensland — Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

Queensland follows the model Regulations. Five days' notice to WHSQ (administered through the Office of Industrial Relations). Online forms are available. Queensland also requires the removalist to give a copy of the asbestos removal control plan to the person who commissioned the work.

Western Australia — WorkSafe WA

WA adopted harmonised WHS laws from 31 March 2022. The standard five-day notification applies. If you're referencing older compliance records, be aware of the changeover date from WA's previous legislation.

South Australia — SafeWork SA

SA follows the model Regulations. Five days' notice to SafeWork SA, submitted electronically. SA is active in compliance monitoring, so expect that notifications may trigger a site inspection.

Tasmania — WorkSafe Tasmania

Tasmania follows the model Regulations. Five days' notice to WorkSafe Tasmania via online forms.

Australian Capital Territory — WorkSafe ACT

The ACT follows the model Regulations. Five days' notice to WorkSafe ACT. As a smaller jurisdiction, notifications often result in site visits, particularly for friable removal in commercial buildings.

Northern Territory — NT WorkSafe

The NT follows the model Regulations. Five days' notice to NT WorkSafe. For remote site locations, it's good practice to follow up with a phone call to confirm receipt.

What must the notification include?

While exact form fields vary between regulators, the standard notification includes:

• The workplace address where removal will occur
• Expected start and completion dates
• A description of the type and estimated quantity of asbestos to be removed
• Whether the asbestos is friable or non-friable
• The name, licence number, and contact details of the licensed removalist
• For friable removal, details of the licensed assessor conducting air monitoring
• Details of the waste disposal site

Emergency and urgent removal

The model Regulations recognise that sometimes asbestos needs to be removed urgently, for example if damaged materials pose an immediate risk. In these cases, the five-day notice period can be shortened, but you must still notify the regulator as soon as possible. Documenting the reason for the shortened timeframe is important. "We didn't want to delay the renovation schedule" is not an emergency. Genuine structural damage, storm damage, or an unexpected discovery during emergency repair work would typically qualify.

Who is responsible for notifying?

The licensed removalist is generally required to give notice, but as the PCBU managing the workplace, you have a duty to ensure it happens. In practice, confirm with your removalist that notification has been submitted and ask for a copy. Keep it on file alongside the removal control plan and clearance certificate.