Andrew Hastie (Canning, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

All Australians, regardless of their occupation or how they're engaged, have a right to healthy and safe work. The rapid emergence of new cases of accelerated silicosis, particularly amongst those working with engineered stone, is of deep concern.

The coalition has been aware of this for some time. The previous government took action. Back in 2019, it established the National Dust Disease Taskforce, as part of a $5 million election commitment, to investigate the growing number of silicosis cases in individuals working in the engineered stone industry and develop a national approach for the prevention, early identification, control and management of occupational dust diseases in Australia.

In establishing the taskforce, we committed $5.1 million to support the work of the taskforce, including funding for new research to better understand, prevent and treat preventable occupational lung diseases. This is a really serious concern affecting many workers, and that's why we support this Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) Bill 2024.

The purpose of the amendment is to amend the Customs Act of 1901, to allow for the expedited seizure and disposal of prohibited engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs, because of the engineered stone products that are imported into Australia. To support the domestic use prohibition, a ban on the importation of engineered stone came into effect this year, through changes to the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. To support the proposed amendments of the prohibited imports regulations this bill contains amendments to the Customs Act that will enhance seizure and disposal powers and support the Australian Border Force to effectively administer and manage engineered stone goods at the border, once the import prohibition commences.

This is important legislation because it will protect Australian workers. One of the most important things for people is their health. All workers should be able to go and earn a day's wage, doing their job, vocation, profession or whatever it may be, and not be concerned about incurring serious injury or health challenges as a result of the work. That's why we support this bill. That's why we're keen to see it through. The purpose of it is to protect Australian workers.

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