Most ACT public schools were built at a time when asbestos and lead paint were commonly used in the building industry.
These web pages have been published to help the community better understand how we are managing hazardous materials in our public schools. It’s part of the ACT Government’s commitment to transparency around this issue.
We encourage you to watch this video featuring Deputy Director General David Matthews.
The video is based on the Deputy Director General’s presentation at a series of four drop-in sessions to discuss hazardous materials which were held around Canberra in mid-May 2021. You can download a copy of the presentation Hazardous Materials Management in ACT Public Schools 
(882 kb) and we have also prepared a report on the sessions Hazardous Materials Drop-in Sessions Report (228 kb)
See below for a range of detailed resources about lead, asbestos and other hazardous materials, as well as information about the approach we take to keep our schools safe for students, staff and the community.