Doors Open for Overseas Asbestos Victims

The doors have opened for thousands of asbestos victims around the world to claim compensation against Australian suppliers, after a New Zealander won a $320,000 payout against James Hardie in a Sydney court.

The 60-year-old worked with James Hardie products as an insulation contractor in New Zealand from 1963 to 1966.

He was diagnosed with asbestosis in 2000.

The NSW Dust Diseases Tribunal ruled that Amaca, a subsidury of James Hardie, was liable because the asbestos insulation was made in NSW.

Turner Freeman lawyer Tanya Segelov said the decision was a boon for asbestos victims in New Zealand, who had been trying to find a way to gain adequate compensation.

In New Zealand courts, sufferers can only sue if contact with asbestos was made in Australia.

If contact was made in New Zealand, they are instead covered by a scheme limited to just $A36 a week.

"This ruling is the shot those people have been waiting for and whether they get through it or not, at least it has opened the door to justice," Segelov said.

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Last modified: Tuesday, 15-Nov-2005 20:37:37 EST