Safe Work Australia, in partnership with the Australian Centre for Disease Control, is seeking feedback on a consultation draft of the National Silica-Related Diseases Research Strategy (NSDRS).
About this consultation
The development of the NSDRS is part of the Silica National Strategic Plan 2024-2030 (SNSP), which represents the commitment of the Commonwealth, state and territory governments, together with experts and support groups, to address silica-related diseases in Australia.
As Australia’s first NSDRS, it provides a timely opportunity to take a more coordinated and strategic approach to research on silica and silica-related diseases. The purpose is to provide a national framework to guide the development, investment and coordination of research priorities for silica-related diseases in Australia.
The draft NSDRS has been informed by relevant local, national and international policies and strategies. The Silica Advisory Committee (SAC) has also played an important role in its development.
Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the draft NSDRS, particularly the proposed focus areas, and to share information about current or recent research projects relevant to the strategy.
Consultation process
Feedback received through this consultation will be used to help refine the NSDRS before it is finalised and published in the first half of 2027.
Making a submission
Submissions are sought by 11.59 pm (AEDT) Thursday 15 October 2026. Submissions can be made by completing the survey under the 'Have your say' section below. You will also be invited to upload other supporting documentation as part of your submission.
Demographic data will be collected as part of this process through completing the submission form.
Have your say
Click the button below to share your views through our survey. Some survey questions are mandatory (including your name and email address), while others are optional. You will also have the option to upload a written submission as part of your survey response.
Providing your feedback through the survey is the preferred option, as it helps Safe Work Australia efficiently consider and analyse submissions. It also allows us to collect the information needed to manage the consultation process.
If you are unable to provide your feedback through the survey, you may email a written submission to silicapolicy@swa.gov.au. Please note that, if you submit your feedback by email, Safe Work Australia will need to contact you to obtain additional information, including a privacy collection acknowledgement and conflict of interest declaration.
Will my submission be published or disclosed to third parties?
Safe Work Australia will only disclose your submission to other parties (such as the Australian Centre for Disease Control) where necessary, and to help inform the development of the NSDRS.
Safe Work Australia does not intend to publish submissions received through this consultation. However, submissions may be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 or other legal requirements. If a request is received, Safe Work Australia will consider any applicable exemptions, including those relating to personal privacy and confidential or commercially sensitive information, in accordance with the Act.