Media Release: Court imposes $400,000 fine for asbestos violations at renovation site
4 July 2025
Today, Dream Haus Pty Ltd. was convicted of two Category 2 offences by the ACT Industrial Court Magistrate, resulting in a $400,000 penalty.
An ex-parte hearing concerning Dream Haus has resulted in two guilty verdicts for Category 2 offences under the Work Health and Safety Act. The charges relate to a serious incident on 2 November 2022, during which Dream Haus engaged in renovation works at a property in Chapman, ACT, disrupting materials containing asbestos. The court found the company failed to comply with its health and safety duties, placing workers and the public at risk.
During sentencing, Magistrate Lawton stated that “there are aggravating features with both… lack of communication was a main factor in both charges… not following their own safe work method statement (SWMS).” He further noted that “the use of asbestos materials was in construction throughout the ACT for many years, and the costs of preliminary testing is low.”
This sentencing continues to emphasise the inroads WorkSafe ACT is making through its inspections and investigations, which has now issued approximately $1.5 million in fines for successful prosecutions since August 2024.
Acting WHS Commissioner Peggy Cheong emphasised that duty holders who fail to meet their obligations will face serious consequences. WorkSafe ACT will continue its efforts to identify and hold accountable businesses that recklessly endanger the safety of their employees.
Statement ends.
WorkSafe ACT Media team
0466 927 213
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