Welcome news for asbestosis sufferers

13/3/02
Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke has welcomed changes to the State's compensation laws on asbestos-related diseases, passed by Parliament tonight.
"These changes are important for sufferers and is a first for the Gallop Government," Mr Kobelke said.
"I want to congratulate the Asbestosis Society and the Member for Pilbara Larry Graham, for their hard work in bringing about these improvements."
The Gallop Government has supported the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions [Asbestos Diseases]) Bill 2001 which started as a Private Member's Bill by Pilbara Independent Larry Graham.
The Government only made changes to improve the Bill's operation in lending support to Mr Graham.
"It is a hallmark of this Government that it has supported this Private Member's Bill and placed community benefit above party politics which so often delays the passage of important legislation," Mr Kobelke said.
Before the change, dependents of an asbestosis sufferer could not continue a claim for damages for pain and suffering, bodily or mental harm and the curtailment of life expectation after the victim's death. Now, the family of someone suffering an asbestos-related illness can continue a claim already begun for these types of damages after death.
Mr Kobelke said the new rules would ease the stress and bring greater certainty for sufferers and their families.
"It was clearly unfair that asbestos-related disease sufferers and their families had to race against death to have a court decide whether compensation is paid or not," he said.
"This legislation will give some peace-of-mind to families knowing they can continue to seek compensation even after losing their loved-one."
Minister's Office - 9222 9211