Bernie Banton addresses the rally in Hyde Park before the march and Rockin’ for Rights concert at the SCG in April.

Vale Bernie Banton

Campaigner for decent compensation for asbestos victims, Bernie Banton, died on November 27.

He was suffering from asbestosis and mesothelioma. Mr Banton was a key figure who worked with the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia for his former employer, James Hardie, to pay decent compensation to asbestos victims who had worked for the company.

Despite his ill health he spoke at several Your Rights at Work rallies in recent years.

Earlier this year, after years of campaigning by the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia and unions, James Hardie approved a $4.5 billion compensation deal, with funds to be paid into a Dust Diseases Tribunal fund.

Federation issued a tribute following Mr Banton's passing:

"Bernie was the public face of the sufferers of asbestos-related diseases. Despite being gravely ill and having contracted three asbestos-related diseases in the last few years, he campaigned to the end for justice and proper compensation for the former employees of James Hardie. His legacy includes the improvement of research into asbestos-related diseases.

"Bernie will be sorely missed by the union movement and by all those who believe in social justice. The Federation offers its condolences to Bernie's family."

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November 2007 contents