Engineered Stone Regulations

The Hon. C. BONAROS (15:16): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Attorney-General a question about engineered stone tops.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C. BONAROS: Can the Attorney provide the chamber with any updates on discussions at both the state and federal levels concerning engineered stone, especially since the recent implementation of new regulatory frameworks around the use of engineered stone?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:16): I thank the honourable member for her question in relation to the use of engineered stone. As the honourable member pointed out, I can't remember the date but we had the commencement of regulation in terms of the dry cutting of engineered stone in South Australia.

We were pleased to introduce that and in December last year the commonwealth and state and territory ministers unanimously agreed to implement a ban on dangerous engineered stone products. The next meeting of the ministers is tomorrow, and I look forward to productive discussions with my interstate colleagues to finalise details of the ban and any necessary transition arrangements. The next step will be the regulation of such products already in situ.