Foreword The Hon Greg Hunt MP Minister for Health and Aged Care Dear Minister On behalf of the National Dust Disease Taskforce (Taskforce), we are pleased to present this Final Report to you. The key driver for the establishment of the Taskforce was concern about the emerging trend of new cases of accelerated silicosis in Australia. The re-emergence of silicosis not only raised questions about the adequacy of the systems in place for the prevention, early identification, control and management of this disease, but also in relation to broader occupational dust diseases. Since the release of our Interim Advice in January 2020, we have commissioned further research and undertaken additional consultation with a broad range of stakeholders to explore our early findings, test our early recommendations, and refine strategies and priority areas for action. We would like to acknowledge and thank all who have contributed to our work, particularly the affected workers and their families and carers who participated in our consultation processes. We understand how confronting and difficult it can be to discuss such personal issues and we are grateful for the insights provided in helping to shape our Final Report. Since July 2019, more than 120 stakeholder submissions were considered, 146 individuals attended forums across the country, and 11 targeted sessions were held. We heard from researchers, peak bodies, unions, legal firms, occupational hygienists, industry, governments, radiologists and people directly affected by silicosis. The additional advice and information collected has only strengthened our position on the critical need for immediate action to better protect people from the risks of working with engineered stone and other dust generating jobs, and to better support those who do develop a dust related disease. The final set of recommendations builds on our early recommendations and findings, providing a comprehensive program of reform requiring action by governments, industry and unions.
Professor Paul Kelly Chief Medical Officer of Australia
Tania Rishniw Deputy Secretary, Primary and Community Care, Department of Health
The National Dust Disease Taskforce’s Final Report JUNE 2021
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