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

Bandt stated that the Greens strongly supported the bill, describing engineered stone as a deadly material comparable to asbestos. Bandt argued that the legislation would empower the Comptroller-General of Customs to immediately destroy seized goods, removing the burden of storing bulky items for 30 days. Bandt also raised concerns about the lack of insurance for manufacturers, warning that workers might be left without compensation for silicosis if companies ceased operations in Australia.

Reid detailed the severe health impacts of silicosis, including lung scarring, respiratory failure, and associated conditions like kidney disease and autoimmune disorders. Reid argued that the bill was necessary to streamline administrative tasks for the Australian Border Force, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively. Reid emphasized that the import ban provided an additional layer of deterrence and that the government was committed to protecting workers' health through decisive regulatory action.

Freelander, a physician, described the tragic and preventable nature of silicosis, noting that engineered stone contains high concentrations of silica dust. Freelander argued that immediate destruction of seized goods was the most effective way to prevent the product from entering the market, as storage was impractical due to the weight and volume of the stone. Freelander stated that the bill was part of a broader suite of public health measures to ensure workers could return home safely.

Chesters argued that the bill prevented engineered stone from becoming a new asbestos-like legacy issue by allowing for immediate destruction upon detection. Chesters noted that managing seized stone without this amendment would strain border resources and that the ban was necessary because no safety measures could eliminate the risk of silicosis. Chesters highlighted that the product was a fashion choice with available alternatives and emphasized the need for ongoing research and support for those already diagnosed with dust-related diseases.