The Minns Labor Government is reinforcing its commitment to protecting workers from dust-related diseases through the $2.5 million Lung Health Mobile Clinic, which offers free lung health screenings across New South Wales. The mobile clinic, or “Lung Bus,” has arrived in Blacktown to provide essential checks that can detect diseases like asbestosis, silicosis, and mesothelioma at an early stage, potentially saving lives. The program screens more than 5,000 workers annually in regional NSW.
In partnership with SafeWork, icare manages the NSW Silica Worker Register (SWR), which monitors workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica (CSS). By linking registry data to services like the mobile clinic, icare prioritizes high-risk workers for screening, follow-up care, and specialist referrals. As of 31 December 2025, 12,214 workers from 597 businesses were registered on the SWR, with nearly 3,850 involved in tunneling-related work. In Blacktown, 62 employers have employees flagged for potential silica exposure.
Lung health checks are non-invasive and take around 30 minutes, including chest X-rays, lung function tests, and consultations with specialists. If necessary, patients are referred for a CT scan to provide a more detailed view of lung health. The Blacktown clinic is located at the Blacktown International Sports Park – Athletics Centre.
The Lung Bus is part of a broader strategy by the Minns Government to reduce occupational dust risks. Measures include the establishment of the Silica Worker Register, the ban on engineered stone containing over one percent crystalline silica, the creation of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce, and a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW for compliance and proactive inspections. The government has also allocated $5 million for silicosis research and patient support, administered by icare and the Dust Diseases Board through the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute over three years.
Workers can also access free lung screenings at icare’s Sydney CBD clinic or through local providers when the mobile clinic is not in their region. Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis emphasized that the Lung Bus removes barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW can access critical care. Local representatives Stephen Bali and Warren Kirby highlighted the initiative’s importance in bringing lifesaving health services directly to the community.
Sarah Johnson, Group Executive at icare, reinforced that early detection is vital, noting that the Lung Bus ensures every worker, regardless of location, has access to high-quality lung health care. The program demonstrates a comprehensive approach to safeguarding workers’ health and addressing the long-term risks of dust-related occupational diseases.
