Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

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

House of Representatives · Thursday 6 February 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

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.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Andrew Hastie (Canning) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Hastie argued that all Australians have a right to safe working conditions and expressed deep concern over rising cases of accelerated silicosis among engineered stone workers. The member noted that the previous Coalition government had established the National Dust Disease Taskforce in 2019, committing $5.1 million to research and management of occupational lung diseases. Hastie stated that the bill supports the domestic use prohibition by enhancing seizure powers for the Australian Border Force. The member concluded that the legislation is vital for protecting workers from serious health challenges.

Opposition response

Andrew Hastie (Canning) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Hastie argued that all Australians have a right to safe working conditions and expressed deep concern over rising cases of accelerated silicosis among engineered stone workers. The member noted that the previous Coalition government had established the National Dust Disease Taskforce in 2019, committing $5.1 million to research and management of occupational lung diseases. Hastie stated that the bill supports the domestic use prohibition by enhancing seizure powers for the Australian Border Force. The member concluded that the legislation is vital for protecting workers from serious health challenges.