NTER Container Accommodation
Latest News
- Review of issues related to the acquisition and management of container accommodation in the Northern Territory and the management of ACMS on prescribed communities for the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs - Report by AS Blunn AO - June 2008 - PDF [142kB]
Minister Macklin has released a report detailing the Department’s response from when concerns were first raised by staff about an odour on 8 November 2007 to 10 April 2008, when a report from the supplier, Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Ltd, revealed elevated levels of formaldehyde in a container the company tested.
24/04/08: Minister Macklin media release - NTER Container Accommodation Report
12/04/08: Minister Macklin media release – Advice on Formaldehyde Exposure
11/04/08: Minister Macklin media release – Accommodation for NTER Staff
Situation Update (last updated 10/06/08)
- Major General Chalmers has written to all government and non-government organisations who had staff who stayed in the NTER container accommodation to advise them of the situation and support available.
- FaHCSIA has appointed Tony Blunn AO (former Secretary of the Attorney General’s; Social Security; Arts, Sport, Environment and Territories; and, Housing and Construction Departments) to conduct an independent external review of the circumstances leading to the problems in the accommodation containers. The purpose of the review is to provide recommendations to address any deficiencies in procedures, structures or communications and to ensure a rapid response to occupational health and safety issues in the future. The review is underway and the report is due by June 2008.
- National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) has advised that the formaldehyde detected in the tested converted containers housing Australian Government staff is unlikely to cause long-term health effects.
- FaHCSIA has engaged a firm of experts in property and built environment pollutants (CETEC) to conduct further testing on the containers. This is being undertaken as a matter of urgency and will be completed within the next three weeks. CETEC is also testing containers that are used by Northern Territory Police and for safe houses.
- All 26 affected staff are now housed in alternative accommodation.
Assistance
The safety and wellbeing of staff is the highest priority for FaHCSIA. All staff have been encouraged to undertake health checks as a precautionary measure. These health checks will be conducted as the expense of the Australian Government.
Staff have been supported to find alternative accommodation at the community level or at the closest centre to their community.
If you have visited the NTER container accommodation and have concerns about your health, you are encouraged to contact FaHCSIA’s Occupational Health and Safety team to discuss your situation. FaHCSIA will ensure you are kept informed about any future developments.
Further Information
Factsheets:
- Formaldehyde in the Indoor Environment of Caravans, Mobile Homes and Demountable Buildings - PDF [82kb]