Widespread School Closures Hit Canberra
Sixty-nine ACT public schools will remain closed on Monday following the discovery of a new asbestos risk linked to colourful sand products sold by Kmart. The sudden escalation comes after Australian Consumer and Competition Commission officials confirmed a voluntary recall for the affected products over the weekend.
Second Asbestos Scare Disrupts Education Plans
ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry met with education officials late Sunday afternoon after the new contamination risk emerged. The Kmart sand products are reportedly "even more widely used" in Canberra schools than a previously recalled Officeworks product that had initially triggered the asbestos concerns.
The new discovery has completely derailed plans to reopen many schools by Friday, with education authorities now scrambling to conduct visual inspections and test for the hazardous material. This marks the second major asbestos scare to affect ACT schools in recent days, significantly expanding the scope of the public health concern.
Immediate Response and Ongoing Concerns
Education officials are working urgently to assess the extent of contamination across the territory's school system. The situation remains fluid as testing continues, with parents and staff awaiting further updates about when schools might safely reopen.
The voluntary recall of Kmart's sand products adds another layer to the growing asbestos crisis affecting educational institutions in the Australian Capital Territory. Visual inspections and material testing are now underway at multiple school sites as authorities work to contain the health risk.
