Engineered Stone

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:28): My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector. Will the minister provide an update about the national ban on engineered stone?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (15:28): I would be most happy to. I thank the honourable member for his question. It is yet another demonstration of the progress that you see when you have state and federal Labor governments. Over the past year, we have seen significant action around the country to safeguard the health and wellbeing of workers from the dangers of engineered stone.

When we received expert scientific advice about the increasing prevalence of silicosis in the workforce, and from the expert report that there is, and I quote, 'no safe threshold' of silica content in stone benchtops, South Australia was one of the first jurisdictions to call for a ban on these products. We could not sit idly by and repeat the mistakes of the past by allowing this new asbestos of the 21^st century to run rampant in workplaces.

We made it clear at the time that we wanted to see a nationally consistent approach, but if that didn't occur we were willing to go it alone and consider a ban at a state level. Fortunately, and with the leadership and the ability of having a state and federal Labor government, it didn't come to that. That is because in Canberra we had a federal Labor government that was just as concerned about this problem as we were and just as committed to keeping workers safe. First with workplace relations minister Tony Burke and later with the current minister, Senator Murray Watt, we have worked hand in hand to take action against this threat.

As of 1 July last year, South Australia has implemented a ban on the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone panels, benchtops and slabs. This ban is not merely a regulatory change. This is this state government and the federal government's collective resolve to prioritise human life over convenience. The decision was based on expert advice recommended by Safe Work Australia, acknowledging the unacceptable risk posed by engineered stone to workers' health. It reflects a broader commitment to occupational health and safety. By eliminating the source of exposure, we are taking a proactive stance to prevent disease rather than react to its consequences. This approach not only protects workers but also sets a precedent for other industries to follow.

I would like to especially acknowledge the collaborative efforts of government agencies, industry stakeholders and advocacy groups that have worked tirelessly to bring about this change. Their dedication underscores the power of collective action to drive meaningful change, particularly members of the union movement who have been campaigning for this for a very long time.

I am pleased that the Albanese federal Labor government has followed up on that work by introducing a national ban on the importation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs, effective from 1 January this year. This ensures that not only can these products not be used but they cannot even be brought into Australia by unscrupulous operators who might be minded to try to skirt around our health and safety laws.

The ban on engineered stone has been a landmark decision to place the health and safety of workers at the forefront. It is a clear message that Labor governments are dedicated to workers' health and safer workplaces. We should take pride in this achievement and continue to advocate for measures that protect and enhance the lives of workers in our community.