Bernie Banton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernie Banton
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| Born |
Bernard Douglas Banton
13 October 1946 |
| Died | 27 November 2007 (aged 61) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Builder Social justice campaigner |
| Years active | 1966–2007 |
| Known for | Advocate for victims of Asbestos-related diseases |
| Spouse(s) | Karen Banton |
| Awards | Member of the Order of Australia 2007 NSW Senior Australian of the Year |
Bernard Douglas Banton AM (born 13 October 1946 – died 27 November 2007) was an Australian builder. He later became a strong campaigner for people suffering from illnesses caused by asbestos.
Asbestos is a dangerous material that was once used in building. It can cause serious lung diseases if its tiny fibres are breathed in. Bernie Banton became the well-known face of a big legal and political effort. This effort aimed to get fair payments for many people who got sick from asbestos. These people either worked for a company called James Hardie or were exposed to its asbestos products.
Bernie himself suffered from several asbestos-related diseases. In 1999, doctors found he had asbestosis and another lung condition called asbestos-related pleural disease. He got these illnesses after working at James Hardie Industries many years earlier. He had helped make asbestos lagging, a type of insulation. Because of his illness, Bernie needed to carry an oxygen tank with him everywhere he went.
In August 2007, Bernie was also diagnosed with a very serious cancer called peritoneal mesothelioma. This cancer affects the lining of the abdomen and is often linked to asbestos exposure. He passed away 103 days later. A book from 2009, Killer Company, tells the story of Bernie Banton's fight against James Hardie.
Bernie took legal action against a company called Amaca Pty Ltd. His case was heard in a special court in New South Wales, Australia, called the Dust Diseases Tribunal of New South Wales.
Why did Bernie Banton campaign for others?
Bernie Banton's final public appearance for his campaign was in October 2007. This was during the time of the 2007 Australian federal election. Bernie wanted to personally give a petition to the Minister for Health, Tony Abbott. The petition asked for a special medicine for mesothelioma to be made more affordable. This medicine would be added to a list called the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. This scheme helps people pay for important medicines.
When Minister Abbott was not at his office, Bernie was very upset. He later said he was sorry for his strong words. Minister Abbott, who was away at the time, also apologised to Bernie the next morning.
After winning the election, the new Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, spoke about Bernie Banton. He said Bernie represented the "great Australian trade union movement." He also called Bernie a symbol of decency in his fight for fair payments for sick people.
Bernie Banton died at his home on 27 November, just three days after the election.
What honours did Bernie Banton receive?
Bernie Banton was recognised for his important work. In June 2005, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia. This is a special award given "for service to the community." He received it for being a strong voice for people affected by asbestos-related illnesses.
Bernie's family accepted an offer from the NSW government for a state funeral. This special funeral was held on 5 December 2007. As a sign of respect, both the Australian and NSW state flags were lowered to half-mast that day. This happened on all NSW government buildings.
In January 2009, a new research centre was opened in Sydney. It was named the Bernie Banton Centre. This centre is the first of its kind in the world. It focuses only on finding treatments and ways to prevent asbestos-related diseases. A bridge in Parramatta, called the Bernie Banton Bridge, is also named after him.
A special group called the Bernie Banton Foundation was also created in his honour. This group was a not-for-profit organisation in Australia. It worked to raise awareness about asbestos and educate people. It also supported and spoke up for people suffering from asbestos-related diseases. The foundation aimed to be "The voice of reason for Australian asbestos related disease sufferers." The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, officially launched the foundation in September 2009.
See also
- Bernie Banton Foundation
- Devil's Dust
