NSW Government wecomes Ombudsman's report into hazardous material in police buildings
26th July 2012Ministerial media release
The NSW Government today welcomed the Ombudsman's report into the management of hazardous material in police properties across NSW.
"Last year, I asked the NSW Ombudsman to review the NSW Police Force response to the management of these issues to ensure that police officers across the State were working and living in safer buildings.
"This Government got on with the job of cleaning up the mess left by Labor who chose new stations over maintenance, with police having already spent $8 million investigating and rectifying the most urgent problems.
"We have taken the responsible approach and funded a further $61 million program including $16 million this year to remediate and manage hazardous materials in its properties.
"I note the Ombudsman has commended the NSW Police Force for the speed in which it acted once the extent of the problem became apparent, and since July 2011, has done extensive work to ensure its meeting all its legal obligations.
"It's important to note this significant funding includes an investment in the ongoing monitoring of police properties to identify any emerging issues that may need remediation.
"This program will effectively ensure any future problems with hazardous materials will be identified and dealt with quickly.
"The new funding allows the NSW Police Force to remove the highest risk hazardous materials; enclose, encapsulate and seal lower risk materials and remove them during regular refurbishments or maintenance.
"A formal response to the Ombudsman's findings will be considered by the Government in the next few weeks.
"Following the release of the Ombudsman's report, the Government will develop new governance arrangements, consistent with the recommendations of the report," Minister Gallacher concluded.
NSW Government wecomes Ombudsman's report into hazardous material in police buildings (PDF 90KB)