Arabic version: الآباء يطالبون باتخاذ إجراءات بشأن تهديد الأسبستوس في مدرسة WA

Parents of children attending Hyden Primary School in regional Western Australia are expressing frustration over the ongoing asbestos issues in the school’s playground. The most recent discovery occurred in June this year when pieces of asbestos were found, prompting the area to be cordoned off for safety.

According to ABC News, parents have been raising concerns for at least 12 years, with Catherine Mayfield, president of the parents and citizens association, stating that children have repeatedly found asbestos pieces during play. The Department of Education has acknowledged the problem and plans to conduct further assessments during the July school holidays.

Parents are calling for more decisive action, including a complete removal of contaminated materials. In letters sent to WA Education Minister Sabine Winton, they highlighted the unacceptable health risks posed by the current management of the situation, arguing that repeated interventions are insufficient to protect students and staff.

The Asbestos Disease Society of Australia has also weighed in, urging for better protective measures, such as sealing contaminated areas and ensuring proper removal during school breaks. Parents like Krystie Falconer shared alarming anecdotes of students discovering asbestos while gardening, emphasizing that this has been a long-standing issue that poses serious health risks to the community.

Despite the Department of Education’s acknowledgment of the problem, parents feel their concerns are not being adequately addressed. Catherine Mayfield noted that the situation has become a “constant bandaid solution” rather than a permanent fix, leaving them feeling forgotten in a rural setting. The community continues to advocate for comprehensive safety measures to protect their children from potential asbestos exposure.