Advocate succeeds in final days
One of Australia’s most prominent asbestos compensation advocates has died.
James Wallner successfully took on both the ACT and federal governments to win financial aid for victims of ‘Mr Fluffy’ asbestos.
On Wednesday last week, Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed the Commonwealth would co-fund a broader, $16 million asbestos assistance scheme, to support all eligible victims of the Mr Fluffy debacle.
Mr Wallner was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma last year after living in a Mr Fluffy home for almost 20 years, and passed away in a Canberra hospice on Friday.
Mr Wallner’s brother Bruce said James’ death was tragic and preventable.
It is “a relief that his suffering is at an end”, Bruce said, but James' death “should never have happened”.
Family friend James O'Loghlin said Mr Wallner dedicated the last nine months of his life to fighting for justice.
“Mesothelioma is a dreadful disease and James Wallner faced it with courage, dignity, and his unique and wonderful sense of humour,’ Mr O'Loghlin said.
“He always said his attempts to get a compensation scheme set up was not just about him, and he was acutely aware of what he saw as his responsibility to other 'Mr Fluffy' mesothelioma victims who would follow him.
“He was warm, funny, and compassionate. Everyone liked him, many loved him and we will miss him deeply.”
The Wallner family home was one of over 1,000 Canberra houses fitted with the deadly ceiling insulation.
At least four other people have died from asbestos-related disease after living in a Mr Fluffy home. Their families are expected to be invited to lodge retrospective claims for financial support under the new scheme.
More details are available here.