Last month, 16 representatives from six Asia-Pacific nations – Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Fiji, Indonesia, and Malaysia – travelled to Sydney to participate in the 2026 Asbestos Conference. The delegation included government officials, occupational health and safety (OHS) campaigners, and consumer associations. Their mission: to share experiences, build networks, and explore solutions for phasing out asbestos in the region.
Australia’s total ban on asbestos since 2003 serves as a critical case study, but we are still affected by the lingering impact of asbestos, including 4,000 deaths annually from related diseases. The conference provided a platform for Asia-Pacific delegates to learn from Australia’s experience in banning asbestos, managing its presence in the built environment, and addressing the ongoing health crisis.
Government Perspectives: Progress and Challenges in Phasing Out Asbestos
Government representatives from Cambodia, Laos, Fiji and the Philippines shared their countries’ plans and progress in phasing out chrysotile asbestos. The discussions underscored the importance of practical, adaptable strategies that account for each country’s unique political and economic landscape.
NGOs and Consumer Associations Expose Industry Tactics
Representatives from NGOs and consumer associations in Indonesia and Malaysia took the stage to reveal the aggressive and deceptive tactics used by the asbestos industry to block bans and mislead the public. Their presentations exposed how corporations:
- Spread misinformation, falsely claiming that “controlled use” of chrysotile asbestos is safe, despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary.
- Use economic intimidation, threatening job losses, and industry collapse to deter regulatory action.
- Lobby governments, undermining efforts to strengthen workplace safety and public health protections.
- File lawsuits against activists and campaigners, silencing those who advocate for bans and safer alternatives.
These tactics, they explained, are not new. By exposing these methods, the delegates aimed to build international solidarity to strengthen policymakers, workers, and advocates with the tools to counter industry resistance effectively in the region.
The Challenge of Recognising Asbestos-Related Diseases
A pivotal part of the delegation’s visit included tours of Sydney’s Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute and SafeWork NSW’s TestSafe laboratory. These visits were especially significant given the major challenges in Southeast Asia around identifying and diagnosing asbestos-related diseases.
In many Asia-Pacific countries:
- Limited diagnostic capacity means asbestos-related illnesses often go unrecognised or misdiagnosed.
- Weak workplace safety frameworks that fail to link diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis to occupational exposure, denying workers compensation and justice.
- Lack of awareness among workers and medical professionals leads to underreporting and delayed treatment.
Recognising asbestos-related diseases as work-related illnesses is a critical step in protecting workers’ rights. Without proper diagnosis and documentation, affected workers are left without access to treatment, compensation, or legal recourse.
Turning Insights into Action
The delegation’s visit was made possible through the support of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, ASSEA, and the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat. Beyond the conference, the exchanges in Sydney strengthened regional networks, fostering ongoing collaboration on asbestos management, worker protection, and evidence-based advocacy.
As Dr. Andrey Korchevskiy, Director of Research and Development at Chemistry & Industrial Hygiene, Inc., said in the conference:
“Countries still importing and manufacturing chrysotile asbestos should stop it immediately.”
The fight against asbestos is far from over. But with shared knowledge, coordinated action, and a commitment to global justice, the Asia-Pacific can move closer to a future where no worker’s health is sacrificed for profit.
Take Action:
- Share this story to raise awareness about the ongoing risks of asbestos.
- Join Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA and support our campaign Asbestos. Not here. Not Anywhere.