The Dust Diseases Board (DDB) has opened applications for organisations seeking a share of $600,000 in funding to provide support services for individuals diagnosed with dust-related diseases.
This funding, available through the Support Organisations stream, aims to aid programs that deliver education, information, and wellness resources to patients and their families.
In an interview with icare, retired electrician Trevor Seaman (pictured right) recalled being taken by surprise after experiencing shortness of breath – a symptom that ultimately led to his diagnosis of mesothelioma, a disease often caused by exposure to asbestos.
“We called up the doctor and said, I had a COVID jab this week, but I’m feeling breathless,” he said.
Mesothelioma has had a significant impact on his life, prompting him and his wife, Shirley, to access various support services, many of which are funded through the DDB.
Trevor noted that the support they’ve received has been essential, saying: “We are privileged to receive lots of support… it helps anchor us.”
The current funding round, closing on Nov. 7, is part of DDB’s larger $3 million allocation for the 2024-25 financial year, which covers support programs, research, and researcher development.
icare’s research and education team manages these funds on behalf of the DDB, which also includes grants, PhD scholarships, and research fellowships focusing on dust disease risk reduction and patient care advancements.
In addition, the DDB has set out its objectives for the next five years, detailing strategic priorities in its 2025-2029 plan to address the changing needs of dust disease patients.
The board, active since 1983, has funded over $13 million in grants dedicated to research and prevention efforts in this field.
Concurrently, there is increasing momentum for a national overhaul of Australia’s workers’ compensation framework.
Gary McMullen, director of workplace risk at Aon, has publicly advocated for a unified approach, arguing that the current system – comprising 11 independent schemes across different states and territories – presents substantial inconsistencies for both employers and employees.
He said a single national system could alleviate these challenges by reducing administrative burdens and ensuring consistent benefits.
He also asserts that implementing a national workers’ compensation framework would improve fairness and simplify management, especially for businesses operating across state lines.
