Victory for working-class hero
Published: December 30, 2004
In June this year, Bernie Banton said his ultimate objective was to see “James Hardie morally and legally facing up to their responsibilities”.
Last week, Mr Banton’s six-month battle with the corporate giant finally ended in victory when Hardie did just that: the company agreed to make up a shortfall, estimated at $1.5 billion, in funding future asbestos disease claims. The deal marks the biggest financial settlement in Australian history.
Mr Banton, vice-president of the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia, has been nominated for The Australian’s Australian of the Year.
Known as the public face of asbestos victims, Mr Banton, 57, has suffered for eight years from the lethal disease asbestosis, which causes shortness of breath, persistent coughing and a tightness and pain in the chest.
Despite having to use an oxygen bottle to breathe, he was an outspoken campaigner at the James Hardie inquiry and regularly attended “to put a personal face before the commissioner, to see justice done, and to eyeball the people from Hardies”.
He has been described as a “working-class hero” for his determination in securing appropriate compensation for victims of the lung-scarring disease.
When the successful deal was announced Mr Banton raised his fist in triumph and said: “This is really a tremendous day in the fight for victims and their families … it’s a victory.”
Mr Banton’s own claim for compensation was settled out of court in 2001.
He contracted the disease after working for a Hardie subsidiary in Sydney between 1968 and 1974.
Readers have until January 12 to send in their nomination for The Australian’s Australian of the Year who should be someone who has made a telling contribution to the life of the nation, whether in 2004 or over the course of their lives.
The winner will be chosen by editor-in-chief Chris Mitchell, editor Michael Stutchbury and a panel of senior editorial staff.
Last year’s winner was actor Nicole Kidman, “for her achievements and as an example of what Australians can do when they embrace that most enduring national characteristic – being game to have a go.”
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