Those seeking workers’ compensation for silicosis in the ACT can now access an additional lump sum payment on top of what’s already available. Photo: Bill Oxford.
A new, additional lump sum payment of $183,000 is now available for workers who access compensation for silicosis.
The ACT Government passed the Workplace Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 as part of its initiatives to improve the safety and injury management laws in response to the national increase in dust diseases caused by exposure to silica dust.
The National Dust Disease Taskforce in 2021 found evidence suggested nearly one in four engineered stone workers who had been in the industry since before 2018 were suffering from silicosis or other silica dust-related diseases.
An ACT Government spokesperson said compensation for silicosis had been available before the law change, but this decision made available an additional compensation payment.
“The extra payment would be made to workers who access statutory workers’ compensation for silicosis,” the spokesperson said.
“That new payment would be lump sum for permanent impairment arising from the silicosis. It would be made in addition to the other statutory benefits already available.
“The amount of other compensation available varies depending on the severity of the condition and may include payment of lost earnings, medical and rehabilitation support and payments to dependents if a person dies because of their condition.”
The additional amount payable is subject to indexation and the process of making a workers’ compensation claim for silicosis should not change.
Master Builders ACT noted the change, but stated its focus would remain on the safety of all workers and preventative safety measures.
“There is significant guidance and education on the use of engineered stone and other related construction activities, including mandated silica training for all building and construction workers in the ACT,” Master Builders ACT CEO Anna Neelagama said.
“This is not the case in any other jurisdiction in Australia currently.
“There is no data available in the ACT on how this will impact both the business and the workers. But again, our emphasis remains on best-practice safety and preventative measures.”
Licensed insurers who receive and manage workers’ compensation claims will apply the new payment when they receive a claim for silicosis.
The government has also been contacting trade unions, employer peak bodies and service providers about the change.
A ban on engineered stone came into effect in the Territory on 1 July, 2024.
The WorkSafe ACT commissioner recently provided a conditional exemption to the ban to allow for the reinstallation of existing engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs.
More information about silica safety and rules in Canberra can be found on the WorkSafe ACT information page.
