Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) Bill 2024

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Thursday 6 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned legislation to amend the Customs Act 1901, enabling the expedited seizure and disposal of prohibited engineered stone imports. Both the Coalition and the Labor government supported the bill, citing the need to protect workers from silicosis and other dust-related diseases. Andrew Hastie highlighted previous Coalition efforts, including the establishment of the National Dust Disease Taskforce. Rob Mitchell emphasised the government's commitment to worker safety and shared personal accounts of those affected by the disease. The debate was interrupted before a final vote was recorded.

   Outcome: The debate was interrupted before a final result was reached.

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2. Monday 10 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on legislation to amend the Customs Act to allow for the immediate seizure and disposal of imported engineered stone, supporting the domestic ban implemented in July 2024. Speakers from the Labor Party and the Greens argued that the bill was essential to prevent silicosis, a deadly lung disease caused by silica dust, and to streamline border operations by avoiding the storage of bulky prohibited goods. The discussion highlighted the health risks to workers, the failure of previous safety controls, and the need for decisive government action to protect public health. All speakers supported the bill, emphasizing that it complemented existing workplace health and safety laws and prevented the product from entering the market.

   Outcome: The bill was supported by all speakers and proceeded through the House of Representatives.

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3. Tuesday 11 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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4. Wednesday 12 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The House of Representatives debated the Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) Bill 2024, which aims to strengthen the enforcement of the ban on engineered stone by allowing the Australian Border Force to immediately destroy seized imports. All speakers were from the Australian Labor Party and supported the legislation, citing the severe health risks of silicosis and the logistical burden of storing bulky seized goods. The debate highlighted the government's broader strategy to protect workers from silica-related diseases, drawing parallels to the historical handling of asbestos. The bill was commended to the House, and the debate was adjourned.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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5. Wednesday 12 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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6. Thursday 13 February 2025 · Senate

   First Reading

   The Senate considered the first reading of the Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) Bill 2024. Katy Gallagher moved that the bill proceed without formalities and be read a first time. She also sought leave to consider the bill during the current sittings, citing logistical challenges with storing seized goods. The Senate granted leave and agreed to the motion, allowing the bill to be read a first time.

   Outcome: The question was agreed to and the bill was read a first time.

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7. Thursday 13 February 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated legislation to facilitate the immediate destruction of seized engineered stone at the border. The government argued this measure was necessary to support the broader prohibition on engineered stone due to storage challenges. No opposition was recorded in the transcript. The bill was passed on second reading.

   Outcome: The question was agreed to and the bill was read a second time.

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8. Thursday 13 February 2025 · Senate

   Third Reading
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