The company pleaded guilty and was sentenced in the South Australian Employment Court on 13 August 2026 following a SafeWork SA prosecution.

The offence occurred between December 2021 and February 2023 at the company's former food processing facility on Seventh Street, Brompton. The company engaged workers to undertake clean-up and demolition works despite being aware the site contained asbestos-containing materials.

The unauthorised works were identified by SafeWork SA. An asbestos assessment conducted at the workplace found friable and non-friable asbestos had been disturbed during demolition activities, with asbestos debris present throughout the workplace and on adjacent property. The assessment concluded it was likely significant levels of airborne asbestos fibres had been generated and that workers faced an elevated risk of exposure.

The investigation also found the company undertook asbestos removal work without the required asbestos removal licence. Workers were therefore not operating under the appropriate licensed removal controls or notification process required by law. The company also failed to establish appropriate asbestos removal work areas or arrange airborne fibre monitoring and clearance inspections by an independent licensed asbestos assessor.

Conroy's Smallgoods Pty Ltd was charged with a Category 3 offence under section 33 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 for failing to comply with a health and safety duty.

In his sentencing remarks, Deputy President Judge Crawley described the breach as an "egregious breach" of the company's duty of care to its workers.

"The defendant was well aware of the presence of asbestos," Judge Crawley said.

"The insidious nature of asbestos-related disease is well known, as is the nature of the risk of contracting it."

A conviction was recorded and the company was fined $90,000. The company was also ordered to pay SafeWork SA's costs of $2,310 and a victims of crime levy of $424.

Attribute quotes to SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell

Asbestos has been banned for more than 20 years yet remains one of the most serious workplace health hazards.

Employers must take every precaution to protect workers and the broader community where asbestos-containing materials are present. This includes identifying asbestos, assessing the risks, engaging appropriately licensed specialists and ensuring asbestos work is carried out in accordance with legal requirements.

This prosecution is a reminder of the importance of proper planning, risk assessment and regulatory compliance before any demolition, refurbishment or clean-up work is undertaken. Licensed asbestos removal requirements exist to prevent exposure to a known carcinogen. Safe asbestos identification, management, removal and disposal also support the objectives of the Asbestos National Strategic Plan 2024–2030, including eliminating asbestos-related disease and promoting safe, proactive removal.

Workers should never be placed in situations where asbestos-containing materials may be disturbed without appropriate controls, specialist oversight and safe systems of work.

Media enquiries

SafeWork SA media team: 0466 504 507 or media.safework@sa.gov.au