ACT Classification of Silicosis as a Permanent Injury

Workplace Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

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Introduced by: The Hon Michael Pettersson MLA (ALP) — Minister, Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries, Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

Silicosis is now listed as a permanent injury with a value of 100 for workers compensation.
The registrar is the chair and a non-voting member of the Government Procurement Act council.
The commissioner is the chair and a non-voting member of the Labour Hire Licensing Act committee.
A quarter for portable long service leave is defined as a 3-month period starting on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July, or 1 October; otherwise, it is a period agreed between the registrar and the employer.
Terms of appointment for Work Health and Safety Act members do not include time spent as an acting member.
Levy changes for portable long service leave now trigger when the change takes effect; they no longer trigger when a determination is made.

The Debate

What different members said when this bill was debated:

Michael Pettersson ALP

“I move: That this bill be agreed to in principle. I am pleased to present the Workplace Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 to the Assembly.”

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Andrew Braddock GRN

“Much of this bill is straightforward; most of it simply supports the efficient operation of workplace laws, and it is entirely welcomed. The significant element to draw attention to is the listing of silicosis as a 100 per cent compensabledisease. Thishasbeenaverylongtimecoming.”

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Caitlin Tough ALP

“I rise to speak in support of the Workplace Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. Workplace safety, proper pay and access to a decent PROOF P1932 25 June 2025 Legislative Assembly for the ACT safety net of entitlements are of core importance to me. When people turn up to work, they should be safe, paid correctly and be able to access their entitlements.”

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Rachel Stephen-Smith ALP

“I rise on behalf of the Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations to close the debate on the Workplace Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. The ACT government remains committed to fair working conditions, the right to safety at work, and, when workers do get injured, their right to dignity and support. This bill is in keeping with these commitments.”

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