Dust Diseases Tribunal

What does the tribunal do?

The Tribunal was established in 1989 by the Dust Diseases Tribunal Act 1989. The court is highly specialised to deal with claims in tort for negligence relating to death or personal injury resulting from specified dust diseases and other dust-related conditions.

The tribunal's main function is to determine actions for damage brought by persons with dust diseases and dust related conditions. It also hears ancillary or related matters.

The tribunal hears:

• Actions for nervous shock;

• Claims under the Compensation to Relatives Act 1897

• Claims for product liability based on exposure to dust;

• Claims for contribution or indemnity between tortfeasors; and

• Claims for indemnity arising under policies of insurance.

The Tribunal is a court of record and by court proceedings it may award damages against a defendant who negligently exposed an injured plaintiff to dust. The Tribunal has the same power as the Supreme Court of New South Wales but only in relation to dust diseases.

Who can appear?

People who have been affected by dust diseases as listed above. If the exposure to dust occurred within NSW no statute of limitation applies, this means that there is no time limit during which proceedings have to begin. If however the exposure occurs in other state then the limitations laws of those state will be applicable.

Tribunal Location

The Tribunal is located at the John Madison Tower on 88 Goulburn Street, Sydney.

Our dedicated team can assist you with queries relating to matters involving the Dust Diseases Tribunal. Complete and submit the Express Enquiry form on the top right hand side of this page and we will contact you to discuss your enquiry, or call us on 1300 QUINNS (1300 784 667) or on +61 2 9223 9166 to arrange an appointment.