Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Sheldon for his second question. Silica related diseases, like silicosis, are cruel and untreatable, but they are preventable. After an alarming increase in the number of workers developing silica related diseases, the government is taking the necessary action to protect Australian workers. The government is working in a cooperative and coordinated way with states and territories to work through how we act on the recommendations of Safe Work Australia. Today's legislation will now allow the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency to lead a whole-of-government and industry approach to ending the dangers of silica dust diseases. We're keeping workers safe and ensuring industry has the tools to keep them safe.