Schools across Eastern Metropolitan Region will be rid of dangerous asbestos, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Shaun Leane MP announced that $296,000 is being invested to remove asbestos that may pose a risk in the future.

The funding is provided as part of the $155 million Victorian School Asbestos Removal Program, which will remove asbestos from a further 58 schools in Northern Victoria.

Works to be carried out include things such as removing asbestos from cabinets and safes along with the removal and reinstatement of some cement sheet ceilings, walls and eaves.

The Labor Government undertook an extensive, state-wide audit of 1,712 government schools, which found 497 schools contained high-risk asbestos. This high-risk asbestos was removed from all of these schools by March 2016.

The Victoria Budget 2017/18 included $85 million for the next phase of the Victorian School Asbestos Removal Program.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“We promised we would get rid of asbestos in schools and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

“It’s part of our plan to improve school infrastructure right across the state and ensure every school is safe and fit for purpose.”

Quote attributable to the member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane

“We’re giving parents, teachers and students peace of mind by removing asbestos that could pose a risk in the future.

“There’s nothing more important than the health and safety of our kids in Eastern Metropolitan Region and we are getting on with the job of providing them with the best school facilities.”