Address the rise of silicosis in workers and develop a national strategy for the prevention of silicosis and silica-related diseases.
The Government will provide $10.0 million over 4 years from 2023-24 (and $1.9 million per year ongoing) to address the rise of silicosis in workers and develop a national strategy for the prevention of silicosis and silica-related diseases. Funding includes:
* $4.7 million over 4 years from 2023-24 (and $0.8 million per year ongoing) to establish a dedicated occupational lung diseases team to oversee implementation and investigate long-term reforms for an improved national framework for occupational lung diseases
* $4.2 million over 4 years from 2023-24 (and $1.1 million per year ongoing) to extend the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency's remit to include the prevention of silicosis and other silica related occupational diseases and broaden the functions of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Council
* $1.2 million over two years from 2023-24 to Safe Work Australia's social partners to increase awareness and support better work practices relating to managing silica dust in the workplace. The cost of this measure will be met from savings identified in the 2023-24 Budget measure titled Employment and Workplace Relations - reprioritisation.