Defence Health Services and the Defence Asbestos Registration Service database.

Until the 1970's asbestos was commonly used as a building material in many Australian buildings. It was frequently used in ships for lagging, fire retarding and soundproofing until the 1990's. Because of this common industry practice some Defence buildings and (All?) naval vessels contain asbestos.

If you feel you may have been exposed to asbestos, (if your were a member of the RAN there is no “may have been” involved – you were!), and you want further advice on possible exposure to asbestos, the Department of Defence - in conjunction with Health Services Australia - conducts a free service for assessment, counselling and, if necessary testing. You can access this service by contacting the Health Services Australia office in your region, on the following phone numbers, but you will first need to contact the Defence Call Centre on 1800 000 655 and obtain a reference number.    Be advised that the call centre number can be difficult to get on to, so you will need to persevere.

You will need to have the above reference number when you call the Health Services Australia numbers below.

SYDNEY 02 8396 0680

PARRAMATTA 02 9806 7362 / 7354

NEWCASTLE 02 4926 4033

WOLLONGONG 02 4226 0172

MELBOURNE 03 9224 8376

ADELAIDE O8 8468 6084

BRISBANE 07 3307 9422

DARWIN O8 8981 7492

PERTH 08 9324 6444

CANBERRA 02 6269 2022

HOBART 03 6211 0464