Australia Asbestos Innovation Fund Submissions

There has reportedly been a good response to the call for submissions to the Asbestos Innovation Fund which was advertised in all major Australian metropolitan and regional newspapers recently.

 

 

According to information from Comcare, the $1.5 million fund was launched in December 2010 by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs, and Workplace Relations, Sen. Chris Evans.(WCxKit)

 

 

The Asbestos Innovation Fund is seeking research projects, new initiatives, programs that prevent or better manage asbestos exposure or improve treatment for asbestos disease sufferers.

 

 

It provides funding to assist with research, treatment, and education programs or practical initiatives. Applications for the fund are open until Sept 25, 2011.

 

 

Comcare is underwriting this fund as part of its role to improve the management of the Commonwealth’s common law asbestos responsibilities.

 

 

Committee chairman, Comcare’s chief actuary Bruce Watson, said the program is designed to encourage development of practical programs and research that raise awareness of asbestos, improve its management and removal, or improve treatment and support for sufferers and their families.

 

 

He said a wide range of programs may be supported by the fund, including communication and education campaigns, workplace training solutions, skills development programs, and the development of warning and safety systems.

 

 

Watson said the fund could also include safe removal systems, medical research into improved diagnostic, treatment and patient care practices, and approaches to systems of compensation and support.(WCxKit)

 

 

Further information about the Asbestos Innovation Fund, including forms and the application processes, are available on the Comcare Web site at: http://www.comcare.gov.au/.