17 Mar 2021
Updated information on how hazardous materials are managed in ACT public schools, including which schools contain lead paint and asbestos, is now available on our website.
The Education Directorate manages public school buildings of varying age across the ACT. Many of these schools were built at a time when asbestos and lead paint were commonly used in the building industry.
It’s a significant portfolio with 89 schools located across more than 100 sites, 76 of those schools contain some amount of asbestos and/or lead paint. We conduct regular reviews of all school buildings to check the condition of hazardous materials so we can respond quickly to any emerging issue.
The Directorate is committed to ensuring all buildings remain safe for the school community and have the infrastructure to support high-quality education.
Significant resources are invested to maintain public schools. In addition to the $99 million school upgrade program we carry out regular repairs and maintenance.
This work creates an opportunity to address hazardous materials. For example, upgrading school windows to improve comfort for students may include the removal of windows with lead paint.
The ACT Government has committed an additional $15 million over the next four years to accelerate the removal of hazardous materials from public schools.
On our new web page Hazardous materials in ACT public schools, you can find the list of schools List of schools with lead paint or asbestos, information about our Education Directorate Taskforce and Expert panel , our fact sheet on lead paint and updated information from ACT Health on lead and health.