Tuesday, November 18th 2025 

The ongoing asbestos contamination incident involving coloured sand has caused significant concern across Tasmania’s education sector, and public schools have been left seeking clearer direction and timely guidance to ensure the safety of staff and students. 

While private and Catholic schools moved quickly to close campuses as a precaution, many public schools experienced delays due to the absence of an early statewide directive. This led to uncertainty for principals, staff, and families, and in some cases left school communities unsure about how to manage potentially contaminated coloured sand safely. 

The lack of timely consistent advice from the Minister has created an unfortunate disparity between school sectors, leaving public school staff and students facing avoidable stress and additional risk. What is needed now is clear, coordinated communication and decisive action to support all schools equally. 

Quotes attributable to AEU Tasmania President, David Genford: 

“Any classroom with this sand present should be isolated immediately. Where safe rooms are unavailable, the Minister should be prepared to authorise temporary school closures to protect students and staff.” 

Educators and families need clear, consistent information about what will happen next. We are calling on Minister Palmer to provide the reassurance and direction that school communities are waiting for.” 

“No worker should ever be put in a position where they may be exposed to asbestos. Unfortunately, some staff were placed in that situation due to the absence of clear guidance from the Minister.” 

“Public schools needed strong, coordinated leadership during this incident. Instead, many were left uncertain about the safest course of action.”