Australia moves to fast-track ban on silica stone benchtops that cause fatal lung disease

Federal government hopes to draft ban to combat silicosis by end of year with support from states and territories

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Australia has taken a major step towards a world-first total ban on engineered stone products in response to rising rates of silicosis from dry-cutting silica products commonly used in kitchen and bathroom benches.

On Tuesday the work health and safety ministers of all states and territories unanimously agreed to ask Safe Work Australia to prepare a plan to ban the products, the federal workplace relations minister, Tony Burke, revealed.

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