News & Insights
Bernie Banton Day 2018
The 27th of November represents the anniversary of the passing of Bernie Banton AM. For many, his name is synonymous with the fight against mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases due to his passionate campaigning for justice and compensation for suffers.
Fighting For Justice
It was in 2001 that James Hardie Industries acknowledged their role in the rise of asbestos-related diseases in their workers, and set up a foundation to handle compensation with a one-off contribution of $293 million. As the number of afflicted employees grew, it became clear that this fund was grossly insufficient as it ran dry two years later. The company’s refusal to provide addition funds was met with fierce criticism from the governments, unions and the media, and a public campaign against James Hardie was initiated.
In 2004, New South Wales’ then premier, Bob Carr, established a judicial enquiry to investigate, including representatives from James Hardie, victim groups, trade unions and the fund. The overall objective was to assess how much money was needed to compensate the victims in full, and how best this could be achieved.
It was during this inquiry that Australia became familiar with Bernie Banton – a social justice campaigner and former James Hardie worker. Dying from lung disease, he was determined to represent those affected by the James Hardie compensation shortfall.
In February 2007, victory was achieved in the form of an Asbestos Injury Compensation Fund – expected to amount to $4.5 billion over the subsequent 40 years. Just 9 months later, and eleven years ago today, Bernie Banton AM passed away from peritoneal mesothelioma.
Continuing The Legacy
Bernie’s wish was to support asbestos disease sufferers and family members with their battle and The Bernie Banton Foundation was created to carry his legacy.
Run by Karen Banton and Rod Smith, the foundation continues to make a huge difference to many people’s lives, and will for years to come.
Rod Smith appeared on The Weekend Edition to talk about the dangers of asbestos and the work of the foundation for Asbestos Awareness Week 2018, click here to listen to the interview.
Greencap commenced a partnership with the foundation as the Australia and New Zealand Risk Management Supporter in 2017 and continues to run internal and external awareness and fundraising initiatives to support their mission.
Learn more on the Bernie Banton Foundation website
People who have been recently diagnosed with an asbestos related disease or their loved ones can contact the Bernie Banton Foundation via their 24/7 Support Freecall Helpline on 1800 031 731 available Australia-wide. |
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