Lead Monitoring Program Extended 

12 November 2025

A government program that monitors blood lead levels in Broken Hill children will continue, after Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, secured state funding through to 2028. 

While the NSW Chief Scientist reviews the latest evidence to work on a long-term solution, Mr Butler has welcomed the ongoing funding for the Broken Hill Environmental Lead Program. 

“I thank the NSW government for listening to the concerns of Broken Hill residents and funding these testing, education and home remediation programs,” said Mr Butler. 

“I also appreciate the ongoing engagement and guidance by Mayor Tom Kennedy and look forward to his input into future programs. 

“Broken Hill residents understand the risks of living in a town with a long history of lead mining, and they know that the local economy rises and falls on the back of the mines. 

“Unfortunately, politicians from outside the community have sought to weaponise lead exposure and stir up anger against the mines. 

“The fact is that local mines have acted on several fronts to reduce ongoing lead emissions, while most of the current lead contamination comes from historical mining practices. 

“Testing by the Broken Hill Environmental Lead program shows declining lead levels in children’s blood in recent years, which shows that what we’re doing is working. 

“I encourage local families to continue taking advantage of the free testing, education and home remediation provided by the Broken Hill Environmental Lead Program,” said Mr Butler.