1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to develop case studies of significant asbestos removal projects to identify different approaches and demonstrate safe and effective options for removing asbestos containing material.

1.2 Background
The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (the agency) was established on 1 July 2013 by the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Act 2013 (Cth). The agency aims to ensure asbestos issues receive the attention and focus needed to drive change across all levels of government. Further information on the agency can be found at www.asbestossafety.gov.au
The removal of asbestos containing material (ACM) under safe conditions is paramount in reducing the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres and of mitigating the risk of contracting an asbestos-related disease. ACMs are not only found in the built environment but also on contaminated land sites. As building stocks age and development projects increase there is a continuing need to replace or renovate existing stock or to clear sites, some of which are contaminated, for future development projects for residential, commercial or recreational use. The implications for safe and effective removal are evident with regard to health and wellbeing as well as cost when dealing with hazardous waste and managing a safe approach to satisfy community and industry expectations.

1.3 Research Objectives
The aim of this project is to develop case studies of recent asbestos removal projects to demonstrate safe and cost-effective options to remove asbestos from the built environment or contaminated sites.
This may include a variety of approaches to management including:
* approaches to site assessment; sampling and testing
* development of conceptual site models
* use of asbestos registers and management plans to identify and prioritise removal in large property and infrastructure portfolios
* identification of the investment/cost of removal, and how decisions to invest in removal are made
* analysis of the cost and benefit of different approaches
* identification of innovative removal practices
* consideration for the social impact of asbestos and risks of exposure
* removal, storage, transport and disposal practices
* remediation
Consideration will need to be given to how the property owner uses the relevant legislation, regulations and guidance to inform their approach (noting that this is not seeking to identify compliance). These include:
* Work Health and Safety legislation and regulations relevant in the jurisdiction where work takes place
* Safe Work Australia Codes of Practice and other guidance relevant in jurisdictions
* The National Environmental Protection Measure
The case studies will show stakeholders the options and benefits of taking certain approaches and how such approaches might impact business, productivity, workers, and the general community.
This proposed project will present examples of good practice in the removal of asbestos, which illustrate how asbestos exposure risks are mitigated in a safe, efficient and cost-effective process to demonstrate that investment in removal is achievable and not cost prohibitive.
The project will consider a range of projects across both small and larger businesses in the public and private sectors. Removal work in all jurisdictions should be considered. Consideration should also be given to why decisions are made to remove asbestos rather than to manage it in-situ.
In addition to businesses and governments removing asbestos, stakeholders may also include, but not be limited to asbestos specialists, such as: asbestos removalist contractors, asbestos assessors, occupational hygienists, work health and safety regulators, peak industry bodies, employer and employee representatives and unions.

1.4 Research Methodology
The successful applicant will be required to develop a methodology which will include, but not be limited to:
* undertaking desk top research and other searches to identify suitable projects for the development of case studies and appropriate contact people to interview about the projects. (The agency may be able to provide some assistance in this regard)
* conducting interviews with entities commissioning asbestos removal projects, contractors and other relevant stakeholders
* reviewing management plans, costings and other documentation relevant to projects
Applicants are invited to propose a methodology or options for a methodology in their application for consideration as part of their proposal.
Methodology will be further refined at an inception meeting between the successful applicant and the agency following execution of the contract.
It is expected that the successful applicant will review a minimum of 15 significant removal projects which have been conducted in Australia in the past 3 years, including interviewing key stakeholders in commissioning entities and entities which undertook the removal work.

1.5 Recruitment
Recruitment of appropriate persons to contact will principally result from projects identified in the desk top research.

1.6 Deliverables
The supplier will provide to the agency:
* the final report in draft format by the date specified for comment by the agency staff, and carry out amendments as required
* a high standard final written report with detailed case studies illustrating the management of significant asbestos removal projects, including how they represent safe and cost-effective asbestos removal options. The case studies should be approximately five pages of text in length outlining research and analysis, and provide photos of sites where projects have been undertaken to illustrate the nature and scope of the work undertak