This bill became law on Feb 20th, 2025.
Immigration, border & security
Australian Border ForceThe border agency that seizes banned imports and uses the new power to dispose of engineered stone goods quickly. can quickly dispose of seized banned engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. imports, including destroying them, instead of having to hold them under the usual slower process.
A new engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. import ban was about to be slowed by customs rules that force seized goods to be stored for at least 30 days, creating major handling problems at the border. The bill lets Border Force quickly dispose of banned engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules., including destroying it, so the import ban can work effectively.
After rising silicosis cases among workers drove national work health and safety ministers to tighten silica controls and examine banning engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules., Australia banned its domestic supply, manufacture, processing and installation from 1 July 2024 and then announced an import ban from 1 January 2025. Because most engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. was imported and customs law normally required seized goods to be stored for at least 30 days, the bill was introduced to let Border Force destroy or otherwise dispose of banned imports quickly, and it became law in February 2025.
The main reservation was that the bill only tightens border enforcement and does not address the needs of workers already harmed by engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules., such as medical support and compensation. That concern appears to have been limited rather than broad, with the Greens raising it while still supporting the bill and no party represented in the debate opposing the measure.
The government introduced this bill. It passed on the voices.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 20 Feb 2025
Final passage
Passed without a counted vote
Members called out ‘aye’ or ‘no’ — no individual votes were recorded.
Passage speed
84 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
Australian Border ForceThe border agency that seizes banned imports and uses the new power to dispose of engineered stone goods quickly. can quickly dispose of seized banned engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. imports, including destroying them, instead of having to hold them under the usual slower process.
The law covers engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. by using the same meaning as the import rules, so banned stone products at the border are clearly caught by the new disposal power.
People whose engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. goods are dealt with under these powers must be told what happened and can seek the market valueThe amount the owner can claim back if the goods were destroyed but the legal conditions for seizure were not actually met. of the goods.
Owners of destroyed engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. can recover its market valueThe amount the owner can claim back if the goods were destroyed but the legal conditions for seizure were not actually met. if they prove the legal grounds for seizure and destruction were not actually met.
the Comptroller‑General of Customs may cause the goods to be dealt with in such manner as the Comptroller‑General considers appropriate (including the destruction of the goods).Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) Act 2025 final Act text
The purpose of the new defined term engineered stone in subsection 183UA(1) of the Customs Act is to ensure alignment between any engineered stone products banned under both the WHS Regulations (Cth) and the proposed amendments of the Prohibited Import Regulations. The new defined term in subsection 183UA(1) operates to support new subsection 206(2C) of the Customs Act, inserted by item 2 of this Schedule. It ensures that prohibited engineered stone products covered by the proposed amendments of the Prohibited Import Regulations are able to be seized and disposed of in accordance with section 206 of the Customs Act (as amended).Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) explanatory memorandum
The purpose of this amendment is to extend the notice requirement under subsection 206(3) of the Customs Act to engineered stone products that are prohibited imports and subsequently covered by new subsection 206(2C) of the Act. The effect of this amendment is to ensure that the owner of an engineered stone product dealt with under subsection 206(2C) is adequately notified of dealings with their goods as well as related matters, including their right to recover the market value of the product. This amendment ensures consistency with the notice requirements for other goods covered by section 206.Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) explanatory memorandum
The purpose and effect of this clause is to permit the owners of engineered stone goods destroyed under subsection 206(2C) the right to recover the market value of the goods, if they can establish that the circumstances required to engage the seizure and disposal of the goods did not exist.Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) explanatory memorandum
Context
After rising silicosis cases among workers drove national work health and safety ministers to tighten silica controls and examine banning engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules., Australia banned its domestic supply, manufacture, processing and installation from 1 July 2024 and then announced an import ban from 1 January 2025. Because most engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. was imported and customs law normally required seized goods to be stored for at least 30 days, the bill was introduced to let Border Force destroy or otherwise dispose of banned imports quickly, and it became law in February 2025.
Work health and safety ministers back stronger national silica controls
After Safe Work AustraliaThe national body that analysed the health risks and helped shape the earlier engineered stone ban. released its Silica Decision RISAn impact analysis paper used here to explain why regulators moved toward banning engineered stone and tightening controls., ministers agreed to a nationally coordinated response and asked for further analysis of banning engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. under model WHS lawsThe state, territory and model workplace safety laws that were used to ban the domestic use of engineered stone..
Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) explanatory memorandum ↗Safe Work AustraliaThe national body that analysed the health risks and helped shape the earlier engineered stone ban. circulates analysis of an engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. ban
The Prohibition Decision RISAn impact analysis paper used here to explain why regulators moved toward banning engineered stone and tightening controls. set out the impacts of prohibiting engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. under model WHS lawsThe state, territory and model workplace safety laws that were used to ban the domestic use of engineered stone., laying the groundwork for a domestic ban on the product.
Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) explanatory memorandum ↗Domestic engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. ban starts across Australia
Amendments to model WHS regulations took effect to prohibit the supply, manufacture, processing and installation of engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. benchtops, panels and slabs, reflecting the health risks linked to respirable crystalline silicaThe fine silica dust linked to silicosis and other lung disease, which is the main health risk behind the ban..
Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) explanatory memorandum ↗Government announces an engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. import ban from 1 January 2025
The planned customs ban was intended to add border deterrence to the domestic ban, with most engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. products entering Australia through imports.
Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) explanatory memorandum ↗Bill introduced to let Border Force rapidly dispose of seized engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules.
The government said the usual 30-day storage rule for prohibited importsGoods that are banned from entry unless an exemption applies, so customs can seize them at the border. would create major handling and transport pressures once large volumes of banned engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. started being seized at the border.
Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) explanatory memorandum ↗Royal Assent completes the new customs disposal powers
The Act came into force after Parliament passed it, giving customs officials a clear power to destroy or otherwise deal with seized engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. while preserving notice and compensation rights for owners.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Legislative route
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Referred to Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Reported from Federation Chamber
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal Assent, turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
The main reservation was that the bill only tightens border enforcement and does not address the needs of workers already harmed by engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules., such as medical support and compensation. That concern appears to have been limited rather than broad, with the Greens raising it while still supporting the bill and no party represented in the debate opposing the measure.
No broad public case against the bill is recorded; criticism was narrow and focused on gaps beyond the bill itself.
Does not help workers already harmed
A limited criticism was that the bill focuses on seizing and destroying banned imports at the border but does not itself provide medical support, compensation or a wider response for workers already sick from silica exposure.
Further sources
Votes
The bill passed both chambers on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage.
House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Senate agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Reid supports the bill and says it is essential to making the engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. import ban work by giving border officials stronger seizure and disposal powers.
Read in Hansard ↗Chesters supports the bill and says it strengthens the engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. import ban by letting Border Force seize and destroy the product immediately.
Read in Hansard ↗Mike Freelander supports the bill and says it is a key public health measure that lets authorities destroy imported engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. immediately so it cannot reach the market.
Read in Hansard ↗Tania Lawrence supports the bill and says it is needed to back the engineered-stone import ban by giving customs faster seizure and destruction powers.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
11 speakers · 12 contributions · 11 support
“The Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) Bill 2024 will amend the Customs Act 1901. The amendments in this bill are essential to supporting the effective operation of the import prohibition by enhancing existing seizure and disposal powers under the Customs Act.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This measure that we have before us now supports and strengthens that prohibition and that ban on importing engineered stone that was implemented on 1 January 2025. What this bill does is amend the act to say that where Border Force and officials come across the stone, it can be seized and destroyed immediately.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“It's important that we have this bill because other seized products have to be kept and stored for a while as the legal process needs to happen so they can be destroyed. But engineered stone is very heavy. It's difficult to store; it's difficult to manage. This bill now gives the government and the authorities the ability to immediately remove any possibility of the engineered stone getting to market. Immediate destruction is the best answer for this, and this bill ensures that this will happen. It's yet another public health measure, as I've said, that prevents workers from becoming unwell and makes sure that they can go home safely every day.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The bill not only provides a way for customs to do their important work efficiently but also adds another layer of deterrence. It is worth considering that, while we have legislated here at home, the scourge of silicosis caused by engineered stone continues in many countries. Immediate destruction at point of entry will help send a message to importers and manufacturers overseas that Australia is serious about protecting workers. It will be another way in which we help to drive down demand and, in so doing, reduce harm.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“That's why this bill is so important. It's giving powers to the Australian Border Force to destroy seized engineered stone immediately. Similar provisions exist for dangerous and perishable goods, tobacco products, vapes and illicit drugs seized at the border. We all know that engineered stone, like those products, can cause significant harm, and it's only right that it's treated similarly. Without this amendment, that seized stone needs to be stored, and a significant volume too, which is significantly difficult and will take capacity away from Border Force to do the rest of its job and duties. This process needs to be efficient. We want our Border Force operators in this country to be doing the things that they need to do to keep our borders safe. Giving them the ability to dispose of this in a timely manner will free up their resources so that they can better protect our borders—something that we are extremely proud of.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Rob Mitchell on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Mitchell supports the bill, saying it gives the government effective powers to seize and dispose of engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. and close a loophole that could let unsafe imports harm workers. He backs it as a necessary step to protect Australians from silicosis and other serious diseases linked to the product.
“It prevents a gap that businesses who don't care much for their workers could exploit by importing these materials into this country, leaving the average working Australian and their loved ones vulnerable to the effects of the associated dangerous diseases.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Mitchell supports the bill and says it is needed to help stop illegal engineered stoneThe product targeted by this bill, meaning the benchtops, panels and slabs covered by the import ban and seizure rules. imports and protect workers from silicosis. He argues it is part of the Albanese government's wider effort to keep dangerous products out and improve border enforcement.
“With that, I commend this bill to the House.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“This legislation strengthens our ability to enforce the prohibition on engineered stone, ensuring that it cannot continue to be the silent killer in Australian workplaces. By enhancing the Australian Border Force's authority to seize and immediately dispose of prohibited engineered stone, we are closing the loopholes that could undermine this vital ban. This is about fairness, safety and ensuring that no more lives are needlessly cut short by preventable exposure to dangerous materials. I stand in full support of this bill, and I commend it to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“To me, the fact is that the product needs to be disposed of. Dealing with it quickly saves costs in any event, so let's get on with it, and that's exactly what this legislation does. And it makes it clear that this government and we, in Australia, will not accept the continued use of this product.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill is about building on the important work the Albanese Labor government has already done, and ensures that our ban on engineered stone is enforceable, particularly at our borders. The Australian Border Force has been given clear directives to intercept and prevent the importation of engineered stone, reinforcing our commitment to workers' safety. This bill amends the Customs Act 1901 to streamline the seizure and disposal of imported engineered stone.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) Bill 2024 is a key component required to support the proposed import prohibition. The amendments in this Bill will support the Australian Border Force's operational effectiveness by enabling Australian Border Force officers to more efficiently administer and dispose of seized engineered stone at the border.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The measures in this bill will support the import prohibition, providing for the expedited seizure and disposal of engineered-stone products seized at the border and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the import prohibition.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 1 support
“This is important legislation because it will protect Australian workers. One of the most important things for people is their health. All workers should be able to go and earn a day's wage, doing their job, vocation, profession or whatever it may be, and not be concerned about incurring serious injury or health challenges as a result of the work. That's why we support this bill. That's why we're keen to see it through. The purpose of it is to protect Australian workers.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 1 support
“We strongly support the bill today.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
House · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
House · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Referred to Federation Chamber
Referred to Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
House · Reported from Federation Chamber
Reported from Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Senate · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Senate · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Parliament · Finally passed both Houses
Passed both houses
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Assent · Assent
Assent
The Governor-General gave Royal Assent, turning the bill into an Act.
