The Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Asbestos) Regulation 2009 and State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) Amendment (Asbestos) 2009 (the Asbestos Amendments) commence on 18 January 2010.

These Asbestos Amendments impose new standards and requirements for anyone that removes or demolishes asbestos material in relation to complying or exempt development.

In the interests of addressing environmental and public health risks, the Asbestos Amendments require that works involving asbestos removal as complying development must be undertaken by a contractor who is licensed under clause 318 of the OH&S Regulation. This means that the owner builder can not carry out such works by themselves. An exception to this requirement is where less than ten square metres of bonded asbestos is being removed.