1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to undertake research and consultation to identify effective and efficient approaches to the storage, transport and disposal of asbestos waste nationally and internationally.

1.2 Background
The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (the agency) was established on 1 July 2013 by the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Act 2013 (Cth). The agency aims to provide a national focus on asbestos issues which goes beyond workplace safety to encompass environmental and public health concerns. It aims to ensure asbestos issues receive the attention and focus needed to drive change across all levels of government. Further information on the agency can be found at www.asbestossafety.gov.au
The storage, transport and disposal of asbestos waste are required by law to be carried out in a safe and effective manner to mitigate the risk of exposure to those working with the asbestos and also to the community at large. Legislation and regulations covering the storage, transport and disposal of asbestos products and asbestos waste can differ from one jurisdiction to another. This may include some variation in legislative requirements, pricing structures and other requirements. The three tiers of government are major stakeholders in the management of asbestos as are landfill operators and transporters. The movement of asbestos waste from the site where it becomes waste to its final disposal at a landfill will inevitably involve more than one stakeholder. It may also involve more than one state or territory jurisdiction.

1.3 Research Objectives
The aim of this project is to conduct a comparative study of standards and practice of asbestos waste management as the asbestos waste moves from the point of generation to the point of final disposal. The research will be conducted in order to promote effective and efficient approaches to asbestos storage, transport and disposal. This will include consideration of potential optimal pricing mechanisms for these aspects of asbestos management. It will also examine the rationale for different approaches.
The research will answer the following questions:
* What are the threshold quantities applied to asbestos waste and how does this impact tracking and disposal?
* What is the impact of waste levies and disposal fees for asbestos waste and can a socially optimal model be identified?
* What are the different approaches to asbestos waste storage that can prevent unsafe stockpiling of asbestos waste?
* What is the optimal distance to asbestos waste disposal facilities for metropolitan and regional areas?
The research will consider issues around waste storage on site prior to removal, transport options, implications with regard to transfer stations, and requirements and costs involved in final disposal at landfills.
The successful applicant will also seek to ascertain the views of key stakeholders with regard to the storage, transport and disposal of asbestos waste.

1.4 Research Methodology
The successful applicant will be required to undertake a review of regulations, licensing requirements and pricing structures for the disposal of asbestos waste from the point of removal to final disposal in landfills in Australian and overseas jurisdictions. The work will also involve a literature review of existing academic and commercial reports on asbestos waste, as well as newspaper and other media reports which discuss the issue and the implications of asbestos waste removal and disposal. The agency commissioned a previous report on asbestos waste in Australia which provides significant data about asbestos waste flows in the jurisdictions. The report is available on the agency website at https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/sites/asbestos/files/2016/03/ASEA_Report_Asbestos_waste_in_Australia_final_ACC_1.pdf
The work will also include interviews and/or surveys of key stakeholders to ascertain their views on key questions which will be developed in consultation with the agency.

Applicants are invited to propose a methodology or options for a methodology in their application for consideration as part of their proposal. However, it is expected that the work will include:
* Desktop research
* Interviews and/or surveys of 12 to 15 stakeholders
* A discussion paper for consultation
* An analysis of written responses to the consultation paper
* A final written report
Methodology will be further refined at an inception meeting between the successful applicant and the agency following execution of the contract.

1.5 Recruitment
Recruitment of appropriate persons to contact will principally result from projects identified in the literature review. The agency will be able to assist with some government stakeholders. Potential stakeholders will include:
* Safe Work Regulators
* EPAs
* Councils
* Landfill operators
* Asbestos professionals
* Peak business and union bodies

1.6 Deliverables
The supplier will provide to the agency:
* the final report in draft format by the date specified for comment by the agency staff, and carry out amendments as required
* a high standard final written report with detailed case studies illustrating the management of significant asbestos removal projects, including how they represent safe and cost-effective asbestos removal options
* the report electronically in a format specified by the agency. The report may be published by the agency, at the agency’s discretion. Any published report will acknowledge the supplier’s role.
* one or more presentations delivered to agency staff on the methodology and findings, including identification of major issues and results. The presentation, should, if required, take a ma