Tasmanian Schools Widespread Closures Triggered by asbestos-Contaminated Sand recall
parents and caregivers across Tasmania are scrambling for childcare arrangements as more than 50 schools – public, faith-based, and autonomous – have closed or partially closed in response to a nationwide recall of coloured sand products containing traces of asbestos. The closures,initiated this week,stem from concerns over potential exposure to the hazardous material,though officials maintain the risk is currently assessed as low.
The situation unfolded rapidly after the Australian consumer watchdog issued the recall, prompting swift action from Tasmanian authorities. Tasmania’s education minister, Jo Palmer, revealed that expert advice was instantly sought from an accredited asbestos consultant, and a comprehensive audit of approximately 200 sites was completed within 24 hours to pinpoint schools potentially affected by the contamination.
“We felt that we needed to take it a step further, and take a really precautionary measure, despite the fact that we have consistently been told that it is a low-risk situation,” Ms. Palmer stated. She further emphasized the need for decisive action given the “confusion” surrounding responses in other Australian states and territories, and also inconsistencies between public, independent, and catholic schools nationwide.
The Department of Education has indicated that the list of closures is dynamic and subject to change as schools undergo cleaning and receive clearance for reopening. Parents and carers are urged to regularly check the education department’s website, Catholic Education Tasmania, and individual independent school websites for the most up-to-date information.
Full School Closures:
The following schools are currently closed to all students and staff:
- Bagdad Primary School
- Bellerive Primary School
- Brighton Primary school
- Campbell Street Primary School
- Clarendon Vale Primary School
- Collinsvale Primary School
- Cressey Primary School
- East Derwent Primary School
- Forth Primary School
- Glenora District School
- Goodwood Primary School
- Grantown Primary School
- Hadspen Primary school
- Hobart College (K-5 closed)
- St Aloysius Catholic College, Kingston (K-4 closed)
- Immaculate Heart Catholic School, Lenah Valley (Kinder and Prep)
- The friends’ School (Early Learning, Primary and Middle School closed)
- St Michael’s Collegiate School (Early Learning Center, Junior School and Outside School Hours Care closed)
- Hutchins (Early Learning Centre and Junior School closed)
the wave of closures extends beyond government-run institutions. At least a dozen non-government Tasmanian schools initiated closures or partial closures earlier in the week, with Catholic Education tasmania confirming an additional three faith-based schools would partially close beginning Wednesday, bringing the total number of affected Catholic schools to 12.
The Australian Education Union Tasmanian branch president, David Genford, expressed disappointment over the lack of a unified approach to closures during the initial stages of the health alert. “It would have been preferable for the [education] minister to come out and give one set of instructions to all schools [public and private],” Mr. Genford said. He stressed the importance of closing any classrooms utilizing the recalled sand until a thorough cleaning process can be completed, and advocated for full school closures if relocation of students proves impossible.
Mr. Genford also noted that state school staff had expressed “concern” prior to the minister’s statement on Tuesday,questioning why some schools were closing while others remained open. He emphasized that ensuring the safety of staff and students must be the paramount concern.
The situation in Tasmania mirrors concerns in other parts of Australia, with fifteen public schools in Canberra also closed and several others partially closed due to the same asbestos contamination issue. The ongoing examination and cleanup efforts underscore the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to protect students and staff from potential health risks.
