Plea to PM: Time running out for asbestos victims

26 October 2009

 Barry Robson, President of the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia (ADFA) has reacted with concern to revelations today that the Asbestos Injury Compensation Foundation (AICF) will imminently run out of money to fund victim compensation.

 The AICF was set up in 2007 arising from the national campaign by asbestos advocacy groups to force James Hardie to fully fund its liabilities for exposing tens of thousands of Australians to asbestos building products. 

 The funding shortfall arises from difficulties the multinational is having abroad with cash flow, retarding its capacity to top the fund up.

 Mr. Robson today called on Prime Minister Rudd to intervene personally and take charge of negotiations, to ensure asbestos victims are not forced into accepting compensation by instalments.

 He said that a push to have victims compensated in instalments was unacceptable and the Federal Government needed to be involved in a better solution. 

“Australian victims of asbestos disease are worried about these latest developments.  Given the average 155 day timeframe between diagnosis and death with mesothelioma, compensation by installment clearly does not work for victims.”

“This problem is James Hardies responsibility and they should fix it. We have had positive talks with the NSW Government but they can’t fix this without Federal help.  Victims deserve better.”

“James Hardie paid $153 million in taxation in December last year.  One solution could be the Commonwealth lending the compensation fund this money short term, until the US housing market improves and Hardies can again top the fund up.”

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 17th, 2009 at 8:32 am.