Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency) 2023

# Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency) 2023 ## What it does This bill expands Australia's Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency to also tackle silica-related diseases. Instead of just focusing on asbestos, the agency will now work to eliminate both asbestos and silica health problems across the country by coordinating between regulators, health bodies, and workers' organisations. ## Why it matters Silica dust exposure is a serious occupational health hazard that affects workers in construction, mining, and manufacturing — causing lung diseases similar to asbestos-related conditions. Adding silica to the agency's mandate means these diseases get the same coordinated national response and elimination efforts that asbestos already receives. ## Key details - **Name change**: The "Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency" becomes the "Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency" - **Expanded scope**: The agency will now coordinate action on silica-related diseases alongside asbestos, bringing together regulators, workers, and health organisations - **Commencement**: The changes take effect the day after Parliament approves the bill (Royal Assent) **Who's affected**: Workers in high-risk industries (construction, mining, manufacturing), employers, health regulators, and occupational safety bodies.