New South Wales government injects $5 M for critical research to address Silicosis crisis

05 April 2024 | News

Accelerating and expanding laboratory-based research into silicosis

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The New South Wales (NSW) government has committed $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support programme for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust.

Building on the world-first manufactured stone ban, the NSW Government delivers on its election commitment to support research which centres firmly on silica dust-related disease diagnosis, treatment and care.

The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will provide a total of $5 million over 3 years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).

This funding enables research into prevention, diagnosis, therapeutic procedures, and treatment of silica dust-related diseases with the aim of improving outcomes for people diagnosed with silicosis.

icare, through the Dust Diseases Board, has grants programme which has delivered investment into dust disease research, including providing funding to the Asbestos Diseases Foundation Australia, the Lung Foundation Australia and research programs at the University of NSW, the University of Sydney and the University of Technology, Sydney among others in financial year 2022-23.