The Government of South Australia has announced its adoption of implementation arrangements detailed in this communique following decisions by Australia's Work Health and Safety and Workplace Relations Ministers who met on Friday 22 March 2024.

A ban on the use of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs will commence throughout Australia from 1 July 2024.

An Engineered stone ban fact sheet to guide South Australian consumers and businesses through the changes is available.

A meeting of Australia's Work Health and Safety and Workplace Relations Ministers initially agreed to the ban on 13 December 2023 - read the meeting communique.

Refined details and transitional arrangements were subsequently agreed by Minister's on 22 March 2024 - read the refined details in this communique and South Australia's next steps in this media release.

Since December 2023, businesses and consumers have been encouraged to avoid entering into contracts for these products that may not be able to be fulfilled prior to the ban coming into effect.

Installations that can’t be completed by 1 July 2024 will require consumers to look at alternative products, unless they were already contracted on or before 31 December 2023 and will be finalised by 31 December 2024 in particular circumstances.

Certain sintered stone, porcelain and finished stone products will be exempt from the ban. Businesses and consumers should closely review the communique and stay up to date with updates from Safe Work Australia as the implementation progresses.

Under the transitional arrangements accepted by South Australia, work involving the supply, processing or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024 can be undertaken, provided the work is carried out under, or for the purposes of, a contract that provides for the installation of engineered stone entered into on or before 31 December 2023.

A framework will also be agreed for the permissible removal, repair and minor modification of engineered stone products previously installed in homes. A national framework is being developed as a priority for businesses undertaking this work to notify SafeWork SA.

Further information specific to South Australia is also available on the SafeWork SA website.

Safe Work Australia has made available information for consumers, businesses and workers. It has published more details on the requirements before and after the prohibition comes into effect as well as common questions and answers and the definition of engineered stone.

Consumer and Business Services has developed an Engineered stone ban fact sheet to guide consumers and businesses with the changes, including those navigating pre-existing contracts for engineered stone products now that the transitional arrangements have been agreed. Keeping in contact with the supplier or trader of engineered stone can continue to inform how the supply and installation timing is progressing, or any other options a consumer may wish to consider.

If you need consumer advice about your contract situation following discussion with your supplier, Consumer and Business Services can be contacted on 131 882.