Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency

At ASSEA, we recognise this week as a time to reflect, learn, and come together.

The theme “All In” reminds us that everyone has a role to play in supporting reconciliation—through respect, understanding, and meaningful action. 💛🖤❤️

We welcome the announcement of the NSW Migrant Workers Centre, which marks an important step towards ensuring a safe working environment for all workers in NSW, no matter their background

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the centre will help workers understand their rights, access support when issues arise, and address exploitation in industries where vulnerable workers are at risk.

NSW’s first Migrant Workers Centre set to open The Minns Labor Government is today launching the state’s first dedicated Migrant Workers Centre, delivering on our commitment to create this centre which will help protect every worker in this state, regardless of where they come from.

Silica exposure isn’t just a workplace issue—it’s a public health issue.

ASSEA’s Silica Facts and Figures resource supports those working to prevent harm, strengthen safety standards and reduce exposure risks. By improving how silica risk is understood and ensuring consistent communication, this resource helps keep Australian workers, their families and communities healthier now and into the future.

Silica facts and figures This resource provides authoritative information on silica-related matters in Australia, to support effective communication by those working across government, industry and the health sector.

Breathing in silica dust can lead to chronic health problems. All silica-related diseases are preventable.

This National Volunteer Week we’re saying thank you to the incredible volunteers behind Australia’s asbestos- and silica-related disease support groups.

Across the country, these groups provide comfort, guidance and a sense of community for people affected by asbestos- and silica- related diseases and their loved ones.

Many are volunteers with lived experience, giving their time to support others through some of life’s toughest moments.

At ASSEA, we’re proud to work with support groups whose work makes a real difference everyday, like the Asbestos Council of Victoria/GARDS Inc, (ACV GARDS) Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia (ADFA), The Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia Inc. (ADSA), Asbestos Disease Support Society (ADSS), The Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia Inc. (ADSSA), Asbestosis and Mesothelioma Association of Australia (AMAA), Asbestos Victims Assoc. (SA) and Mesothelioma and Dust Diseases Association (MADDA).

Thank you for everything you do.

International Nurses Day 2026

Today, ASSEA recognises the vital role nurses play in caring for Australians.

Across hospitals and communities, nurses are the frontline of clinical care and support for people impacted by asbestos- and silica-related diseases. This care provides dignity and clarity through these difficult and complex health experiences.

To all of the wonderful nurses we have the privilege of knowing; to those who have provided years of care and those just starting out - thank you for your expertise, compassion and unwavering commitment to supporting patients and their families.

Are you a stonemason? Stonemasons are at risk of silica dust exposure. Visit https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/silicasafety/about-silica/practical-guidance/stonemasonry for resources to help prevent exposure.

Stonemasonry Stonemasons working with natural stone and other crystalline silica-containing materials must control the risk of exposure to crystalline silica dust. Below are resources which provide guidance on reducing silica dust exposure in the stonemasonry industry.

New research show awareness of silica risks is high among workers, but protections are not always applied in practice

Tunnel construction workers across Australia feel they are being exposed to silica dust which can cause life-long health issues and incurable diseases.

Read more the University of Sydney’s research -

Tunnel workers report being exposed to significant silica dust risks: research survey Tunnel construction workers across Australia say they face significant exposure to silica dust at work, in a research survey published by University of Sydney researchers