Bernie Banton
Bernard Douglas Banton AM (13 October 1946 – 27 November 2007) was an Australian builder and, later, social justice campaigner for asbestos-related diseases. He was the widely recognised face of the legal and political campaign to achieve compensation for the many sufferers of asbestos-related conditions, which they contracted after either working for the company James Hardie or being exposed to James Hardie Industries' products.
Bernie Banton AM | |
|---|---|
| Born | Bernard Douglas Banton 13 October 1946 Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | 27 November 2007 (aged 61) West Pennant Hills, New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation(s) | Builder Social justice campaigner |
| Years active | 1966–2007 |
| Known for | Advocate for victims of Asbestos-related diseases |
| Spouse | Karen Banton |
| Awards | Member of the Order of Australia 2007 NSW Senior Australian of the Year |
Banton himself suffered from multiple forms of asbestos-related diseases, being diagnosed with asbestosis and also asbestos-related pleural disease (ARPD) in January 1999 after having worked at James Hardie Industries, decades earlier, making asbestos lagging. These conditions required him to carry an oxygen tank wherever he went.
On the 17 August 2007, Banton was also diagnosed with terminal peritoneal mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the abdomen most commonly associated with asbestos exposure, dying 103 days later. The 2009 book Killer Company details Banton's fight against James Hardie.
Banton brought an action against Amaca Pty Ltd before the Dust Diseases Tribunal of New South Wales.