Minister announces asbestosis compensation changes

30/11/01
Changes to the State's compensation laws on asbestos-related diseases will ease stress and bring greater certainty to sufferers and their families.
Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke said goodwill and bipartisan support could see the changes introduced and passed through Parliament by the end of the year.
Mr Kobelke said the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions [Asbestos Diseases]) Bill 2001 amendments follow a Private Members Bill by Pilbara Independent Larry Graham.
"The Government supports the general thrust of Mr Graham's Private Members' Bill," he said.
"We agree with Mr Graham that it should not be a race between successful court action or the death of a mesothelioma sufferer to decide whether compensation is paid.
"The families of those victims and the victims themselves should not have to endure added stress or worry about their future security."
Under existing law, the dependants of an asbestosis sufferer cannot continue a claim for damages for pain and suffering, bodily or mental harm and the curtailment of life expectation after the victim's death. The changes will allow the family of someone suffering an asbestos-related illness to continue a claim already begun for these types of damages after death.
Mr Kobelke said it was important the legislation was passed quickly to give some peace-of-mind to families knowing they can continue to seek compensation after their loved-one has died.
"It is inhumane to mount stress upon a family facing the death of a father or mother from this debilitating disease with a drawn-out legal case," he said.
"It is my hope that these changes will encourage a speedier settlement of claims for mesothelioma victims by signalling a compensation case does not end after the victim's death."
Media contact: Steve Manchee on 9222 9211