19 April 2024
With just eleven weeks to go until engineered stone is banned across Australia, the Queensland building and construction industry remains in the dark on how it will roll out in our state.
On 22 March, state and territory Work Health and Safety (WHS) Ministers agreed to prohibit the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing crystalline silica from 1 July 2024.
Following confirmation of the ban, Master Builders has written twice to Minister Grace Grace, urging the Miles Government to honour its previous announcements that indicated that builders with contracts entered into before 13 December 2023, would have until 31 December 2024 to complete the supply, installation or processing of engineered stone, subject to the work being performed safely and in accordance with existing WHS laws.
Information was also published by Work Health and Safety Queensland on 8 March, saying that details of the ban would be finalised by the WHS Ministers in coming weeks, including providing these transitional arrangements.
Master Builders CEO Paul Bidwell said the industry needs answers.
“We were disappointed the March Ministers’ meeting failed to agree on transitional arrangements – and it’s even more frustrating that eleven weeks out, we still don’t know what the plan is in Queensland,” Mr Bidwell said.
“Businesses have relied on these assurances and have been preparing for a transitional period right through to 31 December 2024, for any contracts entered into before 13 December last year.
“A departure from this approach will hit the majority of affected small Queensland businesses in the hip pocket – something they simply cannot afford during these challenging times for the industry.
“These costs will ultimately flow on to consumers as businesses dispose of stock they can no longer use. Delays are also inevitable as they work to find alternatives to offer their customers and complete their projects.
“Anecdotal evidence from our members tells us they are frustrated with the delay in finalising a position – and we echo their concerns.
“Our members need certainty, and the longer we wait for a final decision, the greater impact it will have on the industry, and those working to complete projects for consumers.
“The clock is ticking, and we urge the Queensland Government to announce a transition period for existing contracts for the installation of engineered stone benchtops to 31 December 2024.”
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