Unions Tasmania Secretary Kevin Harkins has welcomed the new Asbestos Compensation Bills endorsement by the Legislative Council.

“It is a fantastic day for Tasmanian workers who have been unfortunate enough to be touched by this terrible substance.”

“For many years asbestos disease sufferers have had to struggle through the complex and expensive legal maze that is common law. In many cases the compensation has been minimal and what there is has been eaten away by the costs to run a case.”

“The new scheme will provide a low onus of proof on employees and intends to deal with applications within a 28 day period, a fantastic outcome for affected workers.”

“The fund has minimal cost to the community with a .06% cost to all employers, while the outcome for workers will be somewhere between $250,000 and $500,000, depending on age and the effect of the illness.”

“There will also be $87,000 available to cover medical expenses which can be increased for an individual following a review process.”

“While this is not everything the Unions would want, it is a wonderful step in the right direction. If the fund is successful then perhaps one day it could be expanded to cover those who suffer from secondary exposure, such as the partner of the worker who has been exposed through contact with the affected employee.”