Nationals MP Michael McCormack questioned Energy Minister Chris โBowen onโ Wednesdayโฃ regardingโ reports ofโฃ asbestos found โขin imported materials used inโ wind tower construction in Australia. The exchange โขoccurred during Question Time on november 26, 2025.
McCormack raised concernsโฃ about reports asbestosโ had beenโข detected in materials โฃimported fromโค China for windโ towers built in Australia, asking, “What actionโ is โthe minister takingโค too โฃaddress this?”
Bowen stated the issue related to Goldwind Australia projects completed in 2020,โฃ describing it as a “veryโค serious matter.” โHe confirmed state regulators were conducting checks toโ ascertain if other wind farms were affectedโ and thatโข the government was collaborating with statesโค to ensure workplace safety.
“Work is being conductedโฃ to replace theโ affected parts under the comprehensiveโค safety management plans. An self-reliant industrial hygienist had been assessing the risk,” Bowenโฃ said. He further emphasized, “It’s the โresponsibility of importers and exportersโ to ensureโ that they do not import or export prohibitedโ goods such as asbestos.”