Asbestos was widely used in Australia from the early to mid-20th century, with peak usage occurring around the 1950s–1970s, and a gradual decline through the 1980s. A nationwide ban on the manufacture and use of all forms of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials took effect on 31 December 2003. Here are the key points and timelines:

• Early adoption and mining: Asbestos began to be imported and mined in Australia in the late 19th to early 20th century, with production expanding across several states by the mid-20th century. This period saw asbestos embodied in a broad range of building materials, insulation, and consumer products. The Wittenoom mine in Western Australia operated from the 1940s until 1966 and was a major source of crocidolite asbestos. [web results indicate widespread use and mining timelines; consult a reliable source for precise dates if needed]

• Peak usage: Australia had one of the highest per-capita asbestos use rates in the world, with substantial imports and domestic manufacturing peaking in the 1970s. Estimates report millions of tonnes of asbestos imported over several decades, contributing to extensive exposure and health impacts.

• Public health response and phase-out: From the 1970s onward, awareness of asbestos-related diseases grew, leading to regulatory actions and phased removal of asbestos-containing materials in new construction. The transition away from asbestos-based products occurred through the 1980s, with ongoing remediation in existing structures.

• Legal and regulatory milestones: Australia banned the manufacture, import, sale, and use of asbestos nationwide on 31 December 2003. This established the final framework for asbestos control, though legacy materials remain in many older buildings and sites requiring careful handling during renovations or demolitions.

• Modern context: Even after the nationwide ban, asbestos remains a public health concern due to legacy materials in older buildings, as well as the challenges of safe removal and environmental management. Public information campaigns continue to emphasize professional assessment and compliant removal practices.

If you’d like, I can pull concise, cited dates and build a simple timeline (years and events) from reliable sources and provide a short bibliography.