The process of tracking, responding to and preventing deadly occupational dust diseases such as silicosis and asbestos has been vastly strengthened following the passage of new laws through the NSW Parliament.

Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said that under changes to the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Information Exchange) Bill silicosis, asbestos and mesothelioma will now be notifiable diseases and if acquired through workplace exposure they will be placed on a new Dust Diseases Register.