Australia: Landmark legislation for asbestos sufferers seeking compensation

In Austrailia, Landmark legislation for asbestos sufferers seeking compensation

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia - Under new state government legislation, people suffering from asbestos-related illnesses will soon be able to seek greater compensation from the party or parties responsible for their exposure.

Before the new laws, sufferers were only able to sue for damages once which prevented them from making additional claims in the event they became diagnosed with other medical problems such as mesothelioma or asbestosis later on in their life. The new legislation will be introduced into Parliament later this year.

Premier John Brumby stood with Karen Banton as he announced the new legislation, which is being referred to as the "Bernie Banton" law, named after Mrs. Banton's late husband who was an asbestos rights campaigner. She said he would have been honored to know that his name was on such an impactful piece of legislation helping others in the fight for justice.

He agreed that Victoria's state legislation until now has been archaic compared to other states in making it possible for asbestos victims to seek just compensation for their suffering.

Most of the additional claims will be handled with the help of WorkCover and are expected to cost almost $85 million over the next 20 to 40 years. Officials estimate that about 50 people a year will benefit from the new laws.

Asbestos use in Victoria was banned in 2003.

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