CFMEU backs NSW Labor’s pledge to ban engineered stone

The CFMEU has backed the NSW Opposition’s support for an engineered stone ban as the union’s campaign to stop silica killing workers gains momentum. Labor supports a ban on manufactured stone, as part of a national agreement, with an aim to be delivered no later than July 2024. If national agreement on a ban fails, a Labor government would work with other jurisdictions or reserve the right to move alone. The announcement comes after the CFMEU ramped up its Stop The Killer Stone campaign earlier this week with the launch of national advertising. The Union is campaigning for all governments to ban the importation and use of engineered stone by July 2024. If governments fail to do so, the CFMEU will ban the deadly product, which can cause incurable silicosis when workers are exposed to silica dust during cutting. Incoming CFMEU National Secretary Zach Smith said all Governments needed to follow the NSW Opposition’s lead and ban engineered stone. “We welcome Chris Minns’ announcement as recognition we must stop the preventable workplace deaths of Australian workers,” Mr Smith said. “Now it’s time for the NSW Government and all Governments around the country to follow suit and stop the killer stone. “We won’t stop fighting our campaign until there is a national ban on the importation and use of engineered stone. “From the Prime Minister to Workplace Minister Tony Burke, it appears there is willingness at the highest levels of the Federal Government to consider fast-tracking a ban. “That’s exactly what must happen when federal, state and territory ministers meet in Canberra next week. “Otherwise politicians will have to explain to victims and their families why they’re allowing the asbestos of our generation to kill more workers. “The CFMEU won’t take a backwards step in doing whatever is necessary to protect workers from the evil companies that peddle this product. Let’s not waste any more time in stopping the killer stone.”