The Minister for Better Regulation made the announcement with Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson on Friday.

Loose-fill asbestos was used in some houses during the 50s and 60s.

“We’re currently offering 250 free tests in Tamworth, with 137 homes having been registered and confirmed as eligible for testing, to date,” Mr Kean said.

“If a house tests positive, there are two options available, the NSW government can purchase your home at market value, or it can remediate your home and give it back to you after it’s done.

“It’s a program about protecting public health, but also a program about protecting their largest asset – their family home.”

Across the state, 138 homes have tested positive for loose-fill asbestos. 

Mr Kean said Tamworth became the 29^th local government area to have the program after one resident found loose-fill asbestos in their home from a private test, and thanks to some strong lobbying from Mr Anderson.

“We did a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure that we got this right,” Mr Anderson said.

“It was not on the list [of LGA’s] and I couldn’t understand why. So we went to Matt Kean when he was appointed and said ‘mate, this is an issue for us’.”

To register for free testing in the Tamworth Regional Council area, or find more information about the Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Program visit loosefillasbestos.nsw.gov.au.