Hardie's latest outrage

Penny Sharpe — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Yesterday I joined the unions and the victims of James Hardie out the front of the Westin Hotel. We were protesting in front of the informaton session for Australian shareholders of the company.

The protesters were drawing attention yet again to the failure of James Hardie to provide compensation to the thousands of vicitms of asbestos. ADFA were requesting two simple things:

That the Board not increase payments and share options for Baord members until there is a legally binding guarantee on compensation to victims
That an appointment be made to the Hardies Board from among Hardie's victims.

What did the Board do? Doubled their own salaries. See what the SMH had to say.

Time keeps ticking, people keep dying and the Hardie's Board rewards itself with a pay rise. It is an outrage.

How real people's stories and experiences can make a difference

Penny Sharpe — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0600

This morning I am privileged to be speaking on the same stage as Bernie Banton AM, asbestos disease warrior, at the NSW Cancer Council’s Consumer Advocacy Conference.

Bernie is there to give tips to consumer advocates (people affected by cancer) on how to get politicians of all persuasions to listen, understand and take action on cancer related health issues.

As the face of the James Hardie campaign waged by victims of asbestos disease, their families and their unions, Bernie knows a thing or two about the power of personal stories and experiences to get action from multinational companies and governments.

I am lobbied every day on a range of issues. Taking into account the expertise of those who have had direct experience with an issue are an important part of decision making process. The stories of ordinary people can assist to simplify complex issues, illuminate injustice and often provide a common sense approach to what needs to happen next. The stories of people who have been through the system can help to make the system better for everyone.

Let me know of your experiences in relation to cancer treatment both good and bad and I'll pass them onto my colleague Frank Sartor who is the Minister Assisting the Minister for Health with special responsibility for Cancer.