Autumn Newsletter

March 2015

Asbestos Related Disease Support Society QLD Inc. 16 Campbell Street, Bowen Hills QLD 4006 PO Box 280, Spring Hill QLD 4004 Phone: 1800 776 412 [email protected] www.asbestos-disease.com.au Quick Guide to Asbestos 2015 Date Claimers Renovation Safety In this issue...

28 April Workers Memorial Day, 10 am The Government has Emma Miller Place released a quick guide to handling Quick Guide to Asbestos Renovation Safety 2 asbestos safely during home 3 May (TBC) Labour Day Celebrations, RNA renovations. grounds 2015 Date Claimers 2 7 May Independent Living Expo, 9 – 4 The guide covers where asbestos can Royal International Convention In Loving Memory 4 be found in older houses and includes Centre, (RNA) Gregory Terrace a list of questions that homeowners Coping With Physical Limitations 5 should ask themselves or hired 9 September Race Day, Doomben Race Course tradespeople before any renovations Welcome To ARDSSQ Newsletter 6 start. These include: 4 November (TBC) Symposium Secretary’s Report 8 • Can you avoid disturbing materials 27 November Ecumenical Service, St Stephens Cathedral that contain asbestos? James Hardie Compensation Fund 9

• How much asbestos material will you remove? Brisbane North Social Support Group Eating During Cancer Treatment: Tips To Make Food Tastier 10 • How will you or your tradesperson Meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month from dispose of asbestos waste? UQ Research Study 11 9.30am • How will you or your tradesperson stop your family or neighbours Chermside Library 375 Hamilton Road, (Corner Are You Using Prescription Medicines? 12 being exposed to airborne asbestos Kittyhawk Drive) Chermside Important Things To Know About Your Medicines 13 fibres? Upcoming dates: 1 April, 6 May, 3 June, 1 July, 5 • Who will you use to do your job? August, 2 September, 7 October and 4 November. • Are you doing it yourself and are ACT Government Bans Builders From Removing Asbestos 14 If you require further information, please don’t you aware of all the risks? hesitate to contact either Lyn Parks on 3886 3112 Made In China (With Asbestos): MBA Raises Alarms 15 or Kerrie Williams at the office on 1800 776 412 The guide Concern For Tug Workers After Asbestos Found On Two Boats 16 also covers homeowner’s and Tropical Leaves Trail Of Destruction 17 Brisbane South Social Support Group tradespeople’s Cyclone Lam: Galiwinku Tent City Nears Completion; legal Meets on the 2nd Friday of the month from 9.30am responsibilities Asbestos To Be Stored ‘Off The Community’ 18 to ensure that Sunnybank Hills Library, Ground Floor they protect their Sunnybank Hills Shopping Centre Aged Care Q And A After The Federal Budget 19 Corner Compton & Calam Roads, own and others’ Sunnybank Hills Enduring Power Of Attorney 20 health by not releasing asbestos fibres into the air during their work. Upcoming dates: 10 April, 8 May, 12 June, 10 July, 14 August, 11 September, 9 October, and 13 Information To Include In An Advance Health Directive 21 For more information about asbestos November. safety, visit www.qld.gov.au/ A Sweet Lesson On Patience 22 asbestos or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68). If you require further information please don’t hesitate to contact either Bev Robertson or Consumers Advised To Use Gift Cards Early 23 Kerrie Williams at the office on 1800 776 412

2 | Autumn Newsletter March 2015 March 2015 Autumn Newsletter | 3 In Loving Memory copI ng WIth

Of our dearly departed from 30th November 2013 – 30th November 2014 Physical Limitations Ian Walter Brown Neil Harold Stott William McLeod Bevan Noel Hook Kenneth Allison Amando (Alan) Musgrove Brian Joseph Hayes Audrea Alice Kelk Eric Andrew Lalor grief can cause insomnia, headaches, low energy and poor appetite Robert (Bob) O’Doherty Donald Keith Whitby Faye Vera Crandell as well as intensify any existing physical problems. Gregory John Denman David John Leaver Jack (George Jack) Howell John Leslie Albertson Leo John Nouwens Myra Carter During grief, do not expect your body to function at peak levels, Melvyn Roy Grant Keran Frances Freyling Patrick Maxwell McCormack as it is vulnerable and susceptible to illness. Be kind to yourself and Brian Wockner Joe Cini Ronald Sparks remove as much stress from your life as possible. Kathleen O’Mara Leonard George Fagan Alan Page Turnbull Robert Rough Rowena Acworth Gregory Figg Richard Maurice Anderson Raymond John Colbert Dennis Batchelor Phillip Goosakoff Keith Hibberd Alfred Henry McGrath David Anderson Ronald Douglas Roberts Terry O’Keeffe the emotional wound you are carrying requires the same care and time you would allow a physical Peter Joseph Chifley Patricia Costanzo Ralph Edgar Chetham wound. Your body needs proper food, light exercise and a bit of self-indulgence. Charles Inwood Donald Burns Arthur Henry Smith Carole Bernice Healy Allen Arthur Clark Barry Philip Crittenden Our observations and recommendations Charles Collinson Frederick Robert Stoneham John Ross Pearson • You are more susceptible to physical problems while grieving, so seek medical advice and Ian Leslie Randle Colleen Neylan Narelle Morgan Darryl Peter Jorgensen Lynette Ann Drage-Hallion Helmut Reitermeier attention if necessary. Douglas James McIntyre James (Barry) Thompson Vlastimil (Mila) Smajstr • Medication will not cure an aching heart. trust that your body will recover from the pain. Denis John Stack Rodney Kenneth King Ronald David James • Accept practical help that will make life easier for you. Trevor Richard Bovill Alison Irene Miethke Cedric Clarke John Rochester Delbridge Michael Scott Margaret Florence Tweedie Advice for supporters Peter Coyne Alan Edwin Wecker Gwen Trimble Colin Alexander ‘Col’ Mervyn Cecil Reibelt Phillip Kempton • Be sensitive to emotional pain. An aching heart may not be visible but it will influence the Hammant Bernard John Moore Richard Smith physical stamina of the bereaved. treat them with the same tenderness you would show Anthony Black Graham Claybourn David Franklin someone who was injured. Clair Anne Hoare Noel Venz Lyall Henry Watts • A bereaved person rarely asks for practical help because they believe it shows they are not Roland Frederick Heilbronn Alfred Edward Harradine Elizabeth Stevens coping. in today’s society emotional help is also highly recommended. Ian Richard Dobson Ken Cruickshank Michael John Hanson Robert (Robin) Gibson Alexander Wildman Delma Arlena O’Connor Edward Sutherland Lockhart Roger Degreef Samuel David Gibson James (Jim) MacFadyen Robert Le Maitre Keith Ogborne Margaret Rose Pritchard Malcolm McMaster Reid Richard Kelsie Blumson Allan Martin Kerr Jeffrey Arthur Lenz Walter Green You left us peaceful memories, Reginald Dennis Bishop Barry Ernest Gills Anthony Ivan Hlevnjak Werner Baltrusch Your love is still our guide, “When you are sorrowful look again in your hearts and you Roderick MacIntyre Glenn Leslie Sippel Ernst (Ernie) Fluri Pauline Rothwell And although we cannot see you, shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which had Merlyn Watson Keith Andrew Hardie been your deepest delight.” Kenneth Forrest Symes David James Kiernan You are always by our side. kAHLiL GiBrAn

4 | Autumn Newsletter March 2015 March 2015 Autumn Newsletter | 5

Metro A5 Grief and Loss.indd 11 9/11/11 8:55 AM WelcomeTitle to ARDSSQ Newsletter Title

SubAutumn Edition Sub

2014 was a year of many ups and • Symposium to see so many familiar faces and to be there is still a lot more that needs to done to downs. • The office with mail outs and packing introduced to many new ones as well. raise awareness and inform the community event bags about the dangers of asbestos exposure as Once again, sadly the Society has lost many On the 28th of November our Ecumenical many people still remain unaware of where familiar faces. From the 30th November 2013 At our AGM in September we had a new Service was overshadowed by the bad asbestos can be found and also of the to the 30th November 2014 the Society was committee elected and now have a full time storms that hit Brisbane the night before presence of asbestos containing materials advised that 116 of our members had lost General Manager, Amanda Richards, to see causing the church to flood along with the (ACM) either in their homes or workplace and their battle with an asbestos related disease. to the daily running of the office. Francis Rush Room. However the church also in the environment. Our heart goes out to these families and dried out in time but unfortunately we were those who have lost loved ones in the past. We also had a lot of support from Industry not able to have refreshments afterward. This heightens the importance of all members who helped out at Home Show events with Many of our members were unable to attend of the Society “spreading the word” about We were fortunate enough to gain further their expert advice and provided input on due to the effect of the weather event on the dangers of asbestos. If you have family funding from Queensland Health until issues that needed addressing. travel arrangements and in some cases members, friends or acquaintances, that December 2015 with the aim of becoming damage to their homes. Despite this the may have been affected by the cyclones self-funded from then on. The Society participated in a number of Ecumenical Service was a success. or the floods that followed or are affected Awareness Raising Events such as: in the future make sure that they are aware Trevor Gillmeister in his Walk against And only recently the communities of many that they need to take precautions around Asbestos raised awareness of asbestos • Courier Mail Home Show parts of Queensland and in asbestos materials and seek professional related diseases and the fact that it is still an • Sunday Mail Home Show the experienced the advice. issue today. Trevor also raised substantial • Greenslopes RSL devastating effects of two very powerful funds for the Society as part of this activity. • Wesley Hospital cyclones - Lam and Marcia. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland • RBW Hospital has published a fact sheet called: The Society has funded research on dietary • Health and Safety Week I do hope that none of the homes of our intake, body composition and quality of life members were damaged by the fierce How to handle asbestos safely after for people with an asbestos related disease, The Society Charity Race Day held at winds from the cyclones and the floods that a storm this work continues on in 2015. We are also Doomben Race Course on the 10th followed. If however, any members require assisting Dr Horwood’s research of a vaccine September was very successful with all help or assistance please contact the Society Visit: http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/asbestos/ that will assist mesothelioma patients’ quality attendees having a great time. There were office on 1800 776 412. resources/pdfs/asbestos_in_storms.pdf of life. several very glamorous fashions of the field in 2014. Dealing with natural disasters and For further information about asbestos visit Our volunteers have worked diligently across emergencies is disruptive and can be www.qld.gov.au/asbestos or call the year by assisting: Also during the year the Society held a very stressful. The number of homes and 13 QGOV (13 74 68) pamper morning for women recognising their buildings affected by the recent weather • With phone support role as carers in the past or as current carers. events is enormous. Helen Colbert • Morning tea groups A great time was had by all and a lot of PRESIDENT • at Labour Day Celebrations laughter was heard throughout the morning. Over the past 13 years or so the risk of • Awareness Raising stalls asbestos exposure has become better • Race Day The Symposium held on the 29th of October known. There has been a great deal of media • Ecumenical Service was well attended and it was wonderful attention placed on asbestos issues, but

6 | Autumn Newsletter March 2015 March 2015 Autumn Newsletter | 7 The society at work Secretary’s Report James Hardie

Amanda Richards Compensation Fund

It has been a long time since our last newsletter The conference called for improved asbestos Over the past six months there has been with many things happening with the Society over awareness training and stronger enforcement considerable uncertainty about the ability of this time. As well as all of the events that we have and penalties for those who do not comply with James Hardie to continue to pay out lump sum been working on, we continue to work with people asbestos regulations. compensation to those with asbestos disease as a result of exposure to its various asbestos products. who have been diagnosed with an asbestos related The conference endorsed an free of disease, helping them to have the best quality of life There had been the suggestion that James Hardie the risks of asbestos. that they possibly can. may have to move to a system of staggered The Presenters papers can be found at payouts which would mean that a person’s For those of you who are not members we would https://asbestossafety.gov.au/events compensation would be paid in instalments rather encourage you to join the Society in order to receive than in one lump sum. One proposal was that there the full range of services available to you. be two payments, one immediately and one in 10 years. For those suffering from any significant The Management Committee has also been very asbestos disease waiting 10 years from conclusion busy and we have just had two planning days of a claim to being paid out would have been where we have looked at where we would like to entirely unacceptable. see the Society over the next three to five years. Thankfully on 27 February this year the Asbestos This information is currently being developed into Injuries Compensation Fund Limited – which is the a Strategic Plan, so you will get to see more about trustee which administers the James Hardie fund, this in the future. made the announcement that they had reached agreement with the New South Wales government In the office we are moving into the electronic age, and a loans facility that had been provided is now our accounts are now done through an accounting I also had my first adventure of working at the Courier available to be drawn against until the final year of package, our files are now electronic and I am trying Mail Home Show from the 26th February till the 1 the stated existence of the facility which is 2030. not to mess things up or break things! March – four days. The first two days were slow but As a result there is no need for James Hardie to this gave us time to have meaningful conversations I was fortunate enough to attend Australia’s first apply to the Supreme Court of New South Wales with people. We had a mix of inquiries from people International Asbestos Conference put on by The to proceed with staggered payments/instalments. doing home renovations, to people who had been Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, who did a The press release though did indicate that “it is diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, to always possible that such a scheme may become fantastic job of putting the conference together. people who been exposed to an asbestos containing necessary at some future date”. Such internationally material. Overall we had well over 300 conversations For now at least those that bring claims against renowned speakers with people about various aspects of asbestos. James Hardie can be assured that on successful such as Linda A big thank you has to go to all the volunteers who completion of the claim compensation will be paid Reinstein, James in full. assisted each day working on the stall. Mind you for Wunsch, Dr Richard some it became a costly exercise as some of the There was considerable campaigning done by Lemen, Laurie Kazan- exhibits were a bit hard to go past! Many of us now asbestos groups including ARDSSQ in this regard Allen, freely bestowed own new pillows! Gilly also popped in to boost the over the past six months which has lead to this very their knowledge with troops as well – Bonus! satisfactory conclusion. attendees, stimulating discussion and debate that For further information do not often carried through to the breaks. The stall was collocated with the Office of Fair hesitate and Safe Work who had “the house” in place, it is The consensus of all delegates however was that: to contact me via the great to work alongside their staff gaining better • Asbestos is a global problem which needs a ARDSSQ office on relationships and understanding of the various 1800 776 412 global solution. approaches to dealing with asbestos related issues. Thady Blundell • All forms of asbestos fibres kill and the only Amanda Richards SOCIETY LEGAL ADVISER solution is to eliminate the sources. SECRETARY

8 | Autumn Newsletter March 2015 March 2015 Autumn Newsletter | 9 Eating During Cancer Treatment: UQ Research Study

Tips to Make Food Tastier Dr Maeli Campbell-McNulty

Cancer or cancer treatment may In place of sweet snacks, choose • Try sauces and other seasonings, Brisbane for two sessions of dietetic affect your sense of taste. Food other foods: which may improve the flavour. STUDY may seem to lack flavour or taste • Cheese • Try marinating meat, chicken or counselling over an 8 week period. too sweet, salty or metallic. • Crackers and cheese fish in marinades, soy sauce, sweet The effectiveness of a nutrition resource Usually these changes are temporary • Chips or pretzels with dip fruit juices, wine or Italian-style booklet with nutrition counselling on the All studies are conducted at no cost to and will improve with time. In the • Nuts dressings. meantime, do what you can to nutritional status, body composition, dietary participants. • Cottage cheese • Try salty, spicy or smoked meats, maintain your calorie intake and such as ham, sausage or cold cuts. intake and quality of life and satisfaction in • Peanut butter meet your body’s protein, vitamin patients with mesothelioma and quality of life To find out more information or to be and mineral needs. Here are If your cancer treatment has If food tastes too salty some suggestions for selecting weakened your immune system, some of their carers. involved: and preparing foods. Experiment A little sugar may tone down the of these foods may not be safe for Contact Associate Professor Judy Bauer or with these ideas until you find saltiness of some foods. Cook foods you. Practice food safety by keeping The University of Queensland is seeking Dr Maeli Campbell-McNulty combinations that appeal to you. without adding salt or seasonings foods at safe temperatures. Don’t Note: If your mouth or throat is sore, containing salt. Avoid processed let perishable foods sit out for more volunteers to participate in a nutrition Email [email protected] or avoid spices, acidic foods, and hot foods that contain a lot of sodium. than an hour. Avoid unpasteurized study so researchers can further [email protected] foods or beverages, which may be Look for products labelled reduced juice, cheese or milk, and raw or understand the effectiveness of a nutrition Phone (07) 3365 4718 or (0)405 7950 37 irritating. sodium or low sodium. Try bland, undercooked meats. mild-flavoured foods. resource booklet with nutrition counselling Address & Location of trial If food lacks flavour General suggestions in mesothelioma patients. School of Human Movement Studies, If meat doesn’t taste right Try different sauces, marinades, • Foods that look appealing often University of Queensland, St Lucia, seasonings and other ingredients. If the meat is fresh and cooked taste better. properly, but it just doesn’t taste right, Eligible participants must be adults with a QLD 4072 These can help perk up the taste of • Vary the colour, temperature and serve other foods that contain protein, food. While cooking, add: texture of foods. diagnosis of mesothelioma who are able to such as: • Barbecue sauce • Drink liquids often or use gum or attend the University of Queensland – St • Soy sauce mints to remove a bad taste in your Lucia Campus • Extracts or other flavourings • Beans or peas in soups, salads or mouth. side dishes or as a dip • Spices and herbs • Try using plastic utensils if you have • Tomato sauce • Macaroni and cheese a bitter or metallic taste in your • Teriyaki sauce • Malts mouth when eating. • Meat marinades • Milkshakes • Check with your dentist to see if you • Vinegar • Cheese have any dental problems. Maintain An abstract with interim results for the first 40 patients involved in the study looking into • Mustards • Nuts good oral hygiene. “The nutritional status, dietary intake, body composition and quality of life of patients with an • Wine • Cottage cheese • Check with your doctor to see if asbestos related disease,” has been accepted for presentation at the Dietitians Association • Peanut butter your taste changes could be related to your medications. In some of Australia (DAA) National conference in May 2015. This abstract will be published in the If food tastes too sweet • Custard • Poultry cases, your doctor may adjust your May edition of the Journal of the Dietitians Association of Australia. Many thanks to all those Tone down overly sweet foods by: medications to reduce or eliminate • Egg dishes • Adding a little salt or lemon juice side effects. Don’t stop taking your who have participated. • Adding plain yogurt, instant • Pudding medications unless your doctor tells coffee powder or extra milk to • Fish - fresh or frozen you to. The study is ongoing and volunteers with Asbestosis or Mesothelioma can contact Dr milkshakes, instant beverage mixes • Tofu • Check with a health care or commercially prepared nutritional • Instant breakfast-type drinks or professional about mouth rinses. Maeli Campbell-McNulty to find out more about the study and/or appointments for nutrition drinks other nutritional beverages counselling. • Yogurt If these measures don’t help, or if Try foods that are less sweet: you’re losing weight, ask your doctor Email: [email protected] or phone (0) 405795037 (9am-5pm Tuesday/ • Drink beverages such as diluted fruit Other suggestions for meat: or a registered dietician for further juice, milk, lemonade, ginger ale or • Try meat prepared in combination advice. Thursday) sports drinks. with other foods, such as chilli, • Choose less-sweet-tasting desserts, lasagna, spaghetti sauce, SOURCE: Mayo Clinic, 2011 such as yogurt, custard, fruit or fruit casseroles, stews or hearty soups. with cottage cheese.

10 | Autumn Newsletter March 2015 March 2015 Autumn Newsletter | 11 Are you using prescription medicines? Your health is too important to take any risks with your medicines. Medicines Important Things To Know About have the potential to cause serious side effects and health Your Medicines problems if not used properly.

To help you make the most of your 5. Call your doctor right away if you medicines follow these tips: experience any problems with your To help you get the best results from your medicines, there are important questions you can ask medicines. your doctor, pharmacist or health professional including: 1. Always check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about managing your 6. Don’t mix alcohol with your medicine • Why do I need to take this medicine? medicines, including how to take them. unless your doctor or pharmacist says it’s • How should my medicine work? Find out if you should take your medicines ok. Some medicines may not work well or • When will my medicine start to work? with food or what medicines to be careful may have side effects if taken with alcohol. • How should I take my medicine? With of using together. water or food? Medicines can interact with each other in • When should I take my medicine and for 2. Don’t buy medicines on the internet. unexpected ways, so if you’re taking more how long? Medicines bought on the internet do not than one medicine at the same time you • Do I need to avoid any other medicines, contribute towards your Pharmaceutical should be extra careful. foods or drinks when I am taking this Benefits Scheme (PBS) Safety Net. If you medicine? or your family need a lot of medicine in a If you take multiple medicines or have been • What should I do if I miss a dose? calendar year, the PBS Safety Net helps diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in the last • Do I need regular check ups or tests you with the cost of these medicines. 12 months, you may be eligible for the while taking this medicine? For more information visit MedsCheck Program. Your pharmacist may • What are the side effects of taking this humanservices.gov.au/pbs be able to review your medicines as part of medicine? the program to help you better understand • What should I do if a side effect occurs? 3. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your medicines and make sure you’re using • How should I store my medicines? medicines you’re taking, including herbal them correctly. products and over-the-counter medicines, and about past problems you’ve had with For more information, speak with your For further information, please see inserts. medicines, such as rashes, indigestion, pharmacist. dizziness or loss of appetite. NPS NPS 4. Read the label on the container or the MEDICINEWISE • MEDICINEWISE information sheet that comes with your SUSPECT A medicine carefully and follow its directions. QUESTIONS MEDICINES LIST MEDICINE- Helping you keep track of your medicines Make sure you understand how often, ABOUT YOUR § RELATED V when and how much medicine to take MEDICINES • SIDE EFFECT • each day. 1300 633 424 1300 134 237 Call NPS Medicines Line for independent, Call the Adverse Medicine Events Line if accurate and evidence-based information you suspect that your medicine is causing about medicines provided by a health a problem. professional. You can call to report side effects that Have your questions answered about: might be due to your: > prescription medicines > prescription medicines © -q > over-the-counter medicines, and > over-the-counter medicines (e.g. pain relievers and cold medication) > complementary (herbal, 'natural', vitamin and mineral) medicines > complementary medicines (vitamins, minerals, herbal or natural medicines) For the cost of a local phone call Australia-

NPS MEDICINES LINE ADVERSE MEDICINE EVENTS 1 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) LINE 1300 134 237 For questions about your medicines To report side effects with medicines For the cost of a local phone call Australia-wide For the cost of a local phone call Australia-wide (calls from mobiles may cost more). (calls from mobiles may cost more). CD v> un Hours: Monday—Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST S Hours: Monday—Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST (excluding NSW public holidays). z (excluding NSW public holidays).

^NPS nps.org.au • MEDICINEWISE ACT Government Bans Builders Made In China (With Asbestos): From Removing Asbestos MBA Raises Alarms

DATE - NOVEMBER 4, 2014 over the handling of loose asbestos fibres in the 26 FEBRUARY, 2015 NATHAN JOHNSON $850,000 for companies, or three times the 1021 Mr Fluffy homes. Many more homes contain ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN value of the goods — whichever is greater.’’ Kirsten Lawson asbestos in the form of bonded wallboard lining the inside walls and ceilings of houses and used Master Builders Australia (MBA) have Master Builders Australia chief executive Chief Assembly reporter for The Canberra Times. in eaves. The material is considered relatively released an alarming media release warning Wilhelm Harnisch said the issue of The ACT Government has moved to close a safe if it’s not disturbed and is kept well sealed to the Australian design and construction asb¬estos-laced products from China was loophole that has allowed builders to remove up prevent asbestos fibres becoming airborne. But industry to be wary of imported Chinese “critical’’ for the industry, particularly with the to 10-square-metres of bonded asbestos from as the Mr Fluffy crisis unfolds, with revelations homes, a rule the Government says has been that loose-fill asbestos fibres have contaminated building products “laced with asbestos”. rising levels of foreign trade. widely misunderstood and abused. the living spaces in houses, it is clear the Government plans to start taking the handling of MBA reported that Australian border-security “This is a critical issue for the building From January 1, any asbestos removal, including other forms of asbestos more seriously. officials have admitted to a limited capacity industry,’’ he told The Australian. bonded asbestos sheeting, must be done by to stop contaminated goods entering licensed asbestos removalists, who will now The new laws will not stop electricians or other come under the control of Worksafe. trades dealing with bonded asbestos sheeting for Australia and that the Abbott government has “Here’s an opportunity to nip this in the bud.’’ “minor maintenance work”, including installing conceded it is unable to guarantee Chinese Builders were never allowed under the law to down lights, light switches or power points, but imports are free of asbestos, amid some China is the second-largest producer of remove even 10-square-metres without asbestos will have to use a hand tool, not a power drill to evidence of its use in the car, mining and asbestos (behind Russia) and also Australia’s training, but Work Safety Commissioner Mark drill through bonded asbestos sheeting. McCabe said the training requirement was the building industries. highest overseas import source. most widely flouted. All asbestos removalists will now be licensed and controlled by Worksafe instead of the planning The release also reported that unions are “The 10-square-metre rule is actually significantly department in the same way other high-risk “alarmed at the potential harm to consumers misunderstood. Tradesmen think it means they construction jobs, including forklift and crane and workers” on the back of asbestos can remove up to 10-square-metres of asbestos operation, come under Mr McCabe. Mr McCabe findings in imported Chinese plasterboard without controls, that’s not true,” he said. said that would mean asbestos assessors and and also Great Wall and Chery Chinese cars removalists would have the same regulatory Worksafe had also come across builders who in 2012. treated the 10-square-metre rule as a daily limit, scrutiny as other states and territories, with rather than a limit for the entire job, as it was an added rule that the first time an interstate While the Australian Customs and Border supposed to be. removalists worked in Canberra they must notify Worksafe so their work could be checked. Protection Service officials admitted they “It’s hard to know whether they don’t realise or Worksafe has the power so suspend licences can’t guarantee the safety of imported choose not to realise,” Mr McCabe said. “One immediately pending an investigation if it has Chinese goods, they did say that existing of the arguments sometimes put to us is ‘I only concerns about work. legislation made illegal the introduction of removed 9-square-metres and I did 9-square- metres the next day’ … So there’s a bit of All removal of friable asbestos – which is the asbestos and its efforts to stop their import wilfulness.” non-bonded kind of asbestos used in spray-on were “proportionate to the level of risk’’. fire retardants and Mr Fluffy insulation and the Under the rules, designed to allow them to deal like – will have to be notified to Mr McCabe in Customs also said it was proactive in trying with small jobs such as removing asbestos advance, rather than after the work is completed, to curb asbestos: “We may take prosecution wallboard for bathroom renovations, the asbestos as is required now. For Mr Fluffy houses, which action against importers found to have removal was also supposed to have only been contain fibres of loose asbestos insulation, the imported goods containing asbestos, with incidental to the main job. new requirement to notify Mr McCabe in advance Asbestos roofing. Image: Ardill Payne & Partners penalties of up to $170,000 for individuals, The crackdown on handling of bonded asbestos takes effect immediately, rather than January 1. in homes comes after months of controversy

14 | Autumn Newsletter March 2015 March 2015 Autumn Newsletter | 15 “My message to all the people in Yeppoon A Queensland Fire and Emergency Service and those coastal areas is please still stay spokesman said there were more than 740 Concern For Tug Workers After Asbestos Tropical Cyclone indoors,” she said shortly after noon. fire and rescue personnel, 11,500 RFSQ “Still stay indoors, do not leave your home, volunteers, 380 auxiliary firefighters and do not go outside, please stay where you are. 1,300 SES volunteers ready to respond to Marcia Leaves Trail the cyclone. Found On Two Boats “We have heard of some reports of flooding, starting to occur now in Rockhampton. State Emergency Service volunteers had Of Destruction received more than 2000 requests for “So my message to all of Rockhampton assistance in the past 24 hours, mostly in residents is please stay indoors. Brisbane and the north coast areas. “The of this storm is headed directly WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT FRIDAY 27 FEB, 2015, 12:10PM towards you.” CYCLONE MARCIA: A cyclone warning is current for Shoalwater There is concern tug workers in the Port of Newcastle have been put at serious risk Bay to Double Island Point, extending inland • Marcia was a category five cyclone when to Moura, Biloela, Monto, and Mundubbera. she made landfall, on the Capricorn Coast after asbestos was found on two imported tug boats. near Shoalwater Bay, at 8am (AEST) on Shayne Harris and her two children were Friday hunkered down in Yeppoon’s St Brendan’s College chapel as the cyclone passed. • Australia has only seen five previous recorded category five storms hit its They left their home in Byfield, close to where The Maritime Union says the material has “So very concerning for us. DATE FEBRUARY 20, 2015 coastline, with the last being Cyclone Yasi, Tropical Cyclone Marcia made landfall, on been found above safe levels on the Chinese- which hit north Queensland in 2011 Jorge Branco – Brisbane Times Thursday because they were worried about built Svitzer tugs, Warrunda and Warrego, “People’s lives have been put at risk by this danger from trees nearby. • There were sustained winds near the Tropical Cyclone Marcia has caused centre of 205km/h, with wind gusts up to despite both being issued with asbestos-free company.” She is hoping for the best when she returns significant damage in Rockhampton after 285km/h certificates. tearing through land west of Yeppoon. but is worried there will be nothing left. • It was moving south towards Yeppoon “From a neighbour there they said there’s Svitzer general manager James Mather The very worst of the cyclone missed the and Rockhampton at 20km/h small central Queensland coastal town but no leaves on the trees and trees are falling Union organiser Glenn Williams said there is said both tugs underwent a series of tests • Heavy rain has caused the Bruce Highway it still brought destructive winds of up to over,” she said. to be closed north of Rockhampton great concern for the safety of his members. before coming to Newcastle, and they will 141km/h. “We’re just hoping that things aren’t too bad. • More than 600 people left their Yeppoon not be used until they are fully cleared of the Homes in Yeppoon damaged by Tropical “The problem is that even when this is all homes to bunker down at the town’s Cyclone Marcia. Photo: Kristina Costalos/Ten over we won’t be able to get home until all the “Our members all need to be tested, material. evacuation centre News creeks go down because it floods out there.” obviously, put onto an asbestos register,” he • Storm surges of up to 3m are expected Former Rockhampton resident Carmel Airlines have cancelled a string of flights to along some parts of the Queensland said. He is hopeful the exposure risk is minimal. Barnfield on the Gold Coast said her Yeppoon affected areas, including those to Bundaberg, coastline sister Anne Maree’s family was huddled Gladstone, Hervey Bay and Rockhampton. • Across Queensland, 134 schools have “The vessels have been quarantined and are “Well, lots of our employees have been on together inside their bathroom at Yeppoon Brisbane was bearing up “reasonably well” been closed, along with 43 childcare worried about losing the roof on their home. with the rain it has received to date, Lord being worked on now to remove all asbestos. board those vessels myself included,” he said. centres and several TAFEs “They think they are losing their roof and Mayor Graham Quirk told reporters on Friday they are not moving,” Carmel said on Friday. morning. • Marcia has forced Friday night’s A-League soccer match between Brisbane Roar and “But we’ll be seeking some pretty good “But so far we haven’t had any air-borne “She is in Yeppoon, about 10 kilometres west The Bureau of Meteorology warned rain Melbourne Victory at Suncorp Stadium to of the main part of town, in Barmaryee.” falling throughout Friday in south-east assurances that it is all gone before we do go testing come back to indicate asbestos in the be called off Cyclone Marcia caused significant damage Queensland was from a separate trough and back on board them.” atmosphere. • Nine southeast Queensland dams are at to homes in Yeppoon. Photo: Seven News was likely to intensify as the cyclone tracked further south. full capacity and further heavy rain will “It’s a big home, it’s a farm. ensure localised flooding, but the largest, Dozens of roads on the Sunshine Coast, Mr Williams said of major concern is that “So based on the advice we’ve received, the the Wivenhoe Dam, is at 77 per cent of “There has been roof damage already and Brisbane and the Gold Coast have been both tugs were issued with asbestos-free risk of exposure is negligible.” capacity and isn’t expected to spill over they have lost everything, all their sheds; flooded. certificates. their boat shed, their granny flat.” • 100,000 sandbags were collected from A severe weather warning is current for the Brisbane City Council’s five depots by At 2pm, the cyclone’s most destructive core damaging winds, heavy rainfall, abnormally late Friday morning “Very concerning for us, our members have was about five kilometres south-southwest high tides, dangerous surf in areas south from of Rockhampton, surging south at about the cyclone to the New South Wales border. been exposed, or potentially exposed to 20km/h an hour. absestos,” he said. Marcia was downgraded to category three at 1pm but was still producing wind gusts of up to 205km/h. “What we understood to be an asbestos- Residents along the Capricornia Coast in free certificate, issued for both tugs, is in fact central Queensland have been warned to false and there’s some 950-odd instances of remain inside, particularly those in Yeppoon asbestos on the vessel. and Rockhampton. Photo: Svitzer’s fleet of tugboats in the Port of Newcastle. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (ABC News: Carly Cook) urged people to stay alert.

16 | Autumn Newsletter March 2015 March 2015 Autumn Newsletter | 17 “People will start moving into tent city Cyclone Lam: Galiwinku tomorrow,” she said on Monday. Aged Care Q And A After “They started erecting the tent city yesterday. Tent City Nears Everything is going to plan. “The logistics of the setting up of the tent city The Federal Budget Completion; Asbestos is to house 300 [community] members. So it’s To Be Stored ‘Off The really quite large.” She said the school would reopen on Thursday, and she was worried about the school children Aged care Q & A after the federal to pay towards your Home Care • Fees for extra or additional Community’ who had witnessed the partial destruction of the budget Package. Before you call you should optional services: Additional fees have your financial information may apply if you choose a higher community. On 13 May2014, the Federal ready, especially details of your standard of accommodation or Budget was delivered by the “They’ve been traumatised by all this,” she said. various forms of income. additional services. These vary MARCH 2, 2015, 8:05 PM Commonwealth Treasurer Joe from home to home. Your aged “We’ll have our own school counsellors.” Hockey. The budget has been There are annual and lifetime caps care provider can provide you labelled as one of the toughest in in place to limit any income-tested “It’s been so traumatic for them and for their with details of these services and Construction of a tent city on Elcho Island to Australia’s history with significant care fees you may be asked to pay. the fees that apply. parents as well. cuts to health and education aiming house residents left homeless after Cyclone Lam to reduce the 2014-15 deficits by You can apply for financial hardship There are annual and lifetime caps is nearing completion, while the work of clearing “They might be in class and hear a chainsaw.” approximately $20 billion. assistance if you believe you will in place to limit the amount of the have financial difficulty contributing asbestos debris continues. means-tested care fee you will need Asbestos debris to be stored ‘off the Overall, there has been a wide range to the cost of your Home Care to pay. The NT Government has not said where the community’ of changes with both potentially Package. positive and negative impacts for You can call My Aged Care on 1800 debris will be ultimately stored, other than that it There are our elderly Australians. Are residential aged care fees and 200 422 to help you estimate the would be somewhere other than Galiwinku. payments changing? fees and charges you may have to widespread In this article you will find the most Yes, the way in which some fees and pay towards your residential aged Elcho Island school teacher Marian Patterson concerns in relevant changes explained in care. Before you call you should further detail. This is recommended payments are calculated is changing. said she understood people would begin moving the community The new arrangements mean that have your financial information about disturbed reading for anyone in, or considering ready, especially details of your into the tent city on Tuesday. going into aged care. your income and assets will be taken asbestos, into account in establishing the fees various forms of income and assets. However, this has not including at the If you are planning to enter aged and payments you may be asked When you move into an aged been confirmed by the care form 1 July 2014, there are to pay. The basic daily fee is not childcare and care home, you will negotiate an NT Government. things you need to know about the affected by these new arrangements. mediation centres. agreement that will set out the fees fees you may need to pay. Changes and charges you will be asked to Cyclone Lam moved to fees are part of reforms to the You may be asked to pay one Infrastructure or more of the following fees in pay. over the aged care system to make it more projects manager Graham Locke said an sustainable and affordable. residential care: You can apply for financial hardship coast early on February asbestos removal team was in Galiwinku and • A basic daily Fee: This covers assistance if you believe you will 20, bringing wind gusts How do I access aged care from 1 was making its priority removing loose and living costs such as meals, have financial difficulty contributing of up to 230kph to the community of about July 2014? to your residential aged care costs. broken asbestos at the two centres. power and laundry. For some 2,000 people. You will need an Aged Care people this is the only fee they What if I am already receiving “Following the clean-up work at the mediation Assessment Team (ACAT) are required to pay. aged care services? Almost 250 residents were displaced and more assessment to access a Home Care centre and the childcare centre a community- • A means-tested care fee: This than 60 houses declared uninhabitable. Package or move into an aged care If you are already receiving aged wide scope will commence,” he said. home. The ACAT assessment is free is an additional contribution care services, you will not be Last week, the RAAF flew the tents for the 300- and the eligibility requirements will towards the cost of care that charged any more than your Asked where the debris would be stored, he some people may be required to bed accommodation camp to Darwin from New not change. However, there will be services provider can currently replied “off the community”. pay. The Department of Human South Wales in a massive C-17 Globemaster some changes to how long an ACAT charge you. approval will be valid for. Services will work out if you are transport aircraft. “The asbestos debris will be stored in required to pay this fee based on However, we suggest you read accordance with national standards/guidelines Is the cost of a Home Care an assessment of your income about the reforms to aged care as Elcho’s airport was and buried or relocated off the community once Package changing? and assets, and will advise you they may apply to you in the future. too small for the of the amount. If you change the type of service the removal process has been finalised,” he said. Currently, you may be asked to 265-tonne plane, and you receive or if you leave and pay a basic daily fee and income- • An accommodation payment: re-enter aged care, then changes the equipment had to be “Following removal of broken and loose tested care fee for your Home Care This is for your accommodation resulting from the reforms may transported the rest of asbestos a hygienist will attend the community Package. From 1 July 2014, the in the home. Some people will apply to you. to conduct an independent assessment where rules for income-tested care fees are have their accommodation the way by barge. being strengthened so that people costs met in full or part by the More information on the aged asbestos has been removed, including the Since the cyclone, homeless residents have who have the financial capacity to Australian Government, while care reforms is available on the surrounding area of each lot to assess if it is safe pay will be asked to contribute to others will need to pay the Department of Social Services been staying in the Galiwinku schools’ recreation for building owners and occupiers or tradesmen the costs of their care. Your income accommodation price agreed website www.dss.gov.au hall, where cooking and food preparation to enter. will determine the income-tested with the aged care home. The has also been taking place, according to Ms care fee you may be asked to pay. Department of Human Services will advise you which applies to Patterson. “If it is safe a clearance certificate will be You can call My Aged Care on 1800 issued.” you based on an assessment of 200 422 to help you estimate the your income and assets. fees and charges you may have

18 | Autumn Newsletter March 2015 March 2015 Autumn Newsletter | 19 Enduring Power Of Attorney Information To Include In An Advance Health Directive

You may not always be able to make decisions when you need to. You may be too ill to make choices about your medical treatment, or you could suffer a disability such as a stroke that prevents you from An advance health directive is a formal way of giving instructions for your future communicating you wishes to others. health care, and comes into effect only if you are unable to make your own decisions. An enduring power of attorney is an important legal document you can prepare to give someone else to make personal or financial decisions on your behalf. What it covers Specific instructions To make an enduring power of attorney you must be an adult capable of making your own personal and financial decisions. Having the capacity to make decisions means that you can: An Advance Health Directive allows you to You are able to give specific instructions • Understand the nature and effect of a decision plan what medical treatment or health care about certain medical treatments. For • Freely and voluntarily make those decisions; and you would like in the event that you cannot instance, you might feel strongly about make decisions for yourself. It also enables whether or not you want to receive life- • Communicate the decisions in some way. you to appoint an attorney for health and sustaining measures to prolong your life. You also need to understand that nature and effect of an enduring power of attorney including the personal matters if you want. These include: contents of the document, consequences of preparing the document and when the power begins. You can use your directive to express your • cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, to keep wishes in a general way, such as stating your heart beating that you would want to receive all available • assisted ventilation, to keep you breathing treatment. if your lungs stop working Choosing an attorney Making an enduring power • artificial nutrition and hydration. of attorney You can include relevant information about (http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/justice- yourself that health professionals should You can use your directive to outline your services/guardianship/power-of-attorney/ (http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/justice- know, such as: views about the quality of life that would be enduring-power-of-attorney/appointing-an- services/guardianship/power-of-attorney/ acceptable to you. For instance, you might attorney) enduring-power-of-attorney/making-an- enduring-power-of-attorney) • special health conditions decide to specify that you would like life- Your attorney’s decisions will have the same legal • allergies to medications sustaining measures withheld or withdrawn force as if you had made them yourself. Choose You can complete an Enduring Power of Attorney • religious, spiritual or cultural beliefs that in certain situations, such as if you were to them wisely. (EPA) yourself but you may wish to first consider could affect your care. have: talking to your solicitor. • a terminal illness for which there is no Responsibilities of an attorney Improper behaviour by an attorney known cure nor chance of you recovering • severe and irreversible brain damage so ( http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/justice- (http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/justice- that you are unable to communicate services/guardianship/power-of-attorney/ services/guardianship/power-of-attorney/ • an illness or injury so severe that there enduring-power-of-attorney/responsibilities- enduring-power-of-attorney/improper- is no reasonable prospect that you will of-an-attorney) behaviour-by-an-attorney) recover. An attorney must act honestly and make An enduring power of attorney can be revoked or responsible decisions. They can be removed if suspended if the attorney behaves improperly. they behave improperly.

20 | Autumn Newsletter March 2015 March 2015 Autumn Newsletter | 21 A Sweet Lesson On Patience Consumers Advised To Use Gift Cards Early

5th of January 2015

Taxi drivers the world over see many just try to treat my passengers the Two orderlies came out to the taxi sides of the human condition, and way I would want my mother to be as soon as we pulled up. They were none more so than those of New treated,’ solicitous and intent, watching Many people will have received gift cards The Association also says consumers with York City. Amongst the skyscrapers, her every move. They had been ‘Oh, you’re such a good boy’, she as presents this festive season and the gift cards should: theatres, parks and traffic live over expecting her. said. When we got in the cab, she Queensland Consumers Association says eight million people, and their gave me an address and then I opened the trunk and took the they should consider using them soon after Keep them in safe, known place encounters with that city’s taxi • asked, ‘Could you drive through small suitcase to the door. The drivers provide an infinite number of receipt to reduce the chances of problems downtown?’ woman was already seated in a experiences. later. • Keep a record of the details or take a wheelchair. ‘It’s not the quickest way,’ I photo of, or copy/scan, cards In this short story, one New York answered quickly. ‘Oh, I don’t mind,’ ‘How much do I owe you?’ she Driver recounts his most poignant Association spokesperson, Ian Jarratt, says she said. ‘I’m in no hurry. I’m on my asked, reaching into her purse. experiences. many consumers wrongly think that gift cards • Be aware of any fees or charges, way to a hospice’. ‘Nothing,’ I said. ‘You have to make are equivalent to cash, but they are not. and conditions of use, for example I arrived at the address and honked a living,’ she answered. ‘There are As we set off, I looked in the the horn. After waiting a few minutes other passengers,’ I responded. administration fees, minimum purchase rear-view mirror. Her eyes were I honked again. Since this was my Gift cards often come with complex terms amounts, restrictions on what can be glistening. ‘I don’t have any family Almost without thinking, I bent and first shift I thought about just driving left,’ she said in a soft voice. ‘The gave her a hug. She held on to me and conditions, including expiry dates. bought, and no cash back for even small away, but instead I put the car in doctor says I don’t have very long.’ tightly. ‘You gave an old woman amounts of residual credit. park and walked up to the door and a little moment of joy,’ she said. Using gift cards soon after receipt and not knocked. ‘Just a minute’, answered I quietly reached over and shut off ‘Thank you.’ a frail and elderly voice. I could hear the meter. waiting a long time before doing so can be Many gift cards are never used, or only used something being dragged across I squeezed her hand, and then very beneficial for many consumers because: partially, so they become a gift for the issuer ‘What route would you like me to the floor. walked into the dim evening light to not the receiver. take?’ I asked. my taxi. Behind me, a door shut. It After a long pause, the door • It reduces the chances that the card will was the sound of a life. opened. A small woman in her 90’s For the next two hours, we drove not be used due to being forgotten, lost, However, subject to conditions, some issuers through the city. She showed me the stood before me. She was wearing I didn’t pick up any more stolen, or past the expiry date. will replace lost or stolen cards and have building where she had once worked a print dress and a pillbox hat with a passengers that shift. I drove as an elevator operator. We drove grace periods beyond stated expiry dates. veil pinned on it, like somebody out aimlessly lost in thought. For the through the neighbourhood where • If a business goes into administration, of a 1940’s movie. rest of the night, I could hardly talk. she and her husband had lived as What if that woman had gotten liquidation or receivership gift cards are For further information, contact the By her side was a small nylon newlyweds. She had me pull up in and angry driver, or one who was unlikely to be useable as planned and Queensland Consumers Association (Ian suitcase. The apartment looked as front of a furniture warehouse that impatient to end his shift? What if I the holder may become an unsecured Jarratt at [email protected] or phone if no one had lived in it for years. had once been a ballroom where had refused to take the run, or had All the furniture was covered with she had gone dancing as a girl. creditor. Using cards sooner rather than 07 37195475, mobile 0448 012 482). honked once, then driven away? sheets. There were no clocks on the later reduces this risk. Sometimes she’d asked me to slow walls, no knickknacks or utensils Thinking about it then, and now, I in front of a particular building or on the counters. In the corner was don’t think that I have done anything corner and would sit and stare at it, • There may be time limits on getting a a cardboard box filled with photos more important in my life. We’re saying nothing. refund on a gift card using the charge- and glassware. conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. back facility that may be possible if it “Would you carry my bag out to the As the dusk began to settle on the But great moments often catch us was bought with a credit or debit card. A car?’ she said. I took the suitcase to city, she suddenly said, ‘I’m tired. unaware – beautifully wrapped in charge-back may be possible if the issuer the cab, then returned to assist the Let’s go now’. what others may consider a small woman. She took my arm and we goes into administration, liquidation or We drove in silence to the address one. walked slowly to the curb. she had given me. It was a low receivership, or if there are other problems She kept thanking me for my building, like a small convalescent such as non receipt, or non provision, of kindness. ‘It’s nothing’, I told her. ‘I home, with a driveway that passed agreed goods or services. under a portico.

22 | Autumn Newsletter March 2015 March 2015 Autumn Newsletter | 23 SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE SOCIETY

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Spring24 | Autumn Newsletter Newsletter March 2015