Independent senator Nick Xenophon has demanded tougher sentences, including jail, for people responsible for importing asbestos into Australia.

As insuranceNEWS.com.au has reported previously, evidence suggests the potentially deadly material is routinely brought into the country from Asia, despite a ban imposed in 2003.

The new Perth Children’s Hospital is the latest high-profile building affected, after it emerged roof panels supplied by Chinese company Yuanda contain the toxic product.

The maximum penalty for breaches is a fine of up to $170,000, but since 2009 only $64,000 in fines, penalties and costs have been imposed for asbestos importation offences.

“Exposure to asbestos can deliver a death sentence years down the track,” Senator Xenophon said. “It’s only appropriate that importing this deadly substance should bring with it a jail sentence.”

The Senate Inquiry into Non-Conforming Building Products lapsed because of the recent election, but Senator Xenophon says he will move to reinstate it when the upper house resumes on August 30.

The inquiry was triggered by the 2014 Lacrosse apartment fire in Melbourne’s Docklands, which spread rapidly due to flammable building cladding imported from China and not tested to Australian standards.

“With free trade agreements lowering tariffs, there is naturally an increase in the volume and range of products imported into Australia, and that means the relevant authorities must be adequately resourced to ensure non-complying products never make it to a construction site,” Senator Xenophon said.

“A watch list could also ensure companies known to have done the wrong thing are avoided in favour of those that provide Australian standard products, which would not only be a deterrent but would enable buyers to increase their chances of purchasing complying materials.”