Keeping Australia focused on preventing the next wave of asbestos and silica disease

In this episode, James speaks with Jodie Deakes, CEO of the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA), about why asbestos and silica remain critical public health challenges in Australia - and what’s being done to prevent future disease.Although asbestos was banned more than 20 years ago, the problem is far from over. An estimated six million tonnes of asbestos remains embedded in Australia’s built environment, much of it well beyond its intended lifespan. Combined with the increasing impact of natural disasters such as bushfires and floods, the risk of exposure may actually be growing. Recent incidents involving asbestos-contaminated mulch and imported products are reminders that ongoing vigilance is essential.The conversation also explores silica dust exposure. Australia has led the world with its landmark ban on engineered stone, a significant public health achievement. But as Jodie explains, a ban can create a false sense that the problem has been solved. Silica dust continues to pose serious health risks across a range of industries, including mining, tunnelling and construction.Jodie outlines ASSEA’s role in coordinating a national response across governments, regulators, industry and communities. She discusses the National Strategic Plans for Asbestos and Silica (2024–2030), which focus on three key priorities: preventing exposure, supporting people affected by disease, and working with neighbouring countries to build awareness and capability.This is an excellent conversation about the importance of awareness, vigilance and collective action in preventing disease and reducing exposure. As Jodie puts it, the ultimate goal by 2030 is to “do myself out of a job.” Jodie Deakes was appointed as CEO of ASSEA for a five-year term beginning on 19 November 2023 and is responsible for managing the affairs and operations of ASSEA and ensuring the agency carries out its statutory functions. In her own words when taking up the role, Jodie said the agency would play a "central role in coordinating, monitoring and reporting on national efforts to eliminate both asbestos and silica-related diseases in Australia" and would work to build awareness of exposure risks and strengthen protections. Before becoming CEO, Deakes held senior leadership positions with SafeWork NSW and the Queensland Office of Industrial Relations, and had previously served on the agency's advisory council. In practical terms, her role is not to regulate workplaces directly or enforce laws. Instead, she leads the national coordination, policy, research, awareness and strategic planning efforts that help governments and stakeholders reduce asbestos- and silica-related harm across Australia. Find out more about the national response to asbestos and silica, read the National Strategic Plans and find helpful information on the ASSEA site here.Read the new 2026 Guidelines and Recommendations for the Management of Pleural Mesothelioma in Australia here. To find out more about ADDRI, visit here.Thank you to our podcast interviewer and host, James O’Loghlin , and producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]