The New South Wales State Parliament created the Dust Diseases Tribunal of New South Wales (the Tribunal) to provide a "fast-track mechanism" to deal with claims relating to dust-related conditions. "Fast-tracking" was considered necessary because of the nature of dust diseases. Mesothelioma, for example, has a latency period of many years but, once diagnosed, results in rapid deterioration and usually leads to death within 12 months. Therefore the emphasis by the Tribunal is to provide an opportunity for plaintiffs to give evidence while able to do so.
Asbestos-related claims, unless they are urgent, are handled by mediation under a Claims Resolution Process. Urgent asbestos matters and other dust diseases matters are dealt with through the court process.
The Tribunal differs from other courts in New South Wales in the way it operates. A category of urgency is assigned to every case soon after the originating process is filed. The Tribunal sits not only in court but at homes, hospitals and hospices and at any hour of the day or night on any day of the week. It is not uncommon for a Judge, support staff, and lawyers to travel to a Plaintiff’s bedside, wherever that may be, to take evidence.

The Tribunal is committed to providing this "fast-track mechanism" and this website will provide an overview of how the Tribunal achieves this.