New Benefits for Families of asbestos sufferers

Families of workers suffering work-related latent onset diseases, such as mesothelioma, will benefit from changes to workers’ compensation entitlements announced today by the Queensland Government.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said legislative changes introduced into Parliament today would provide benefits sooner to the families of workers who die.

Mr Mickel said where a deceased worker had already received a payment of lump sum compensation or damages for a latent onset injury, new family entitlements were:

·A one-off lump sum of approximately $63,920; and

·Reasonable funeral expenses of approximately $8,526.

“Families of sufferers of latent onset disease are under huge stresses and strains, often for many years, and I am very pleased to give this extra helping hand to them,” Mr Mickel said.

“Benefits for sufferers of latent onset illnesses in Queensland have increased to arguably the most generous in Australia and now we are doing more to assist their families,” he said.

Latent onset diseases are insidious conditions, many of which are terminal.

The improved compensation measures for dependent family members were developed after consultation with the Queensland Asbestos Related Disease Support Society, unions and WorkCover Queensland.

Mr Mickel said where a sufferer died before claiming their full lump sum entitlement, dependent family members currently received full death benefits.

“However, this is not the case for dependants of sufferers who have been paid their full lump sum entitlement,” he said.

“This can cause financial hardship for the surviving spouse when it comes to paying funeral expenses, or simply moving on with life after caring for a sick partner for many years.”

The changes are contained in an amendment to the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003.

For more information visit www.workcoverqld.com.au or call 1300 362 128.

Media Contact: Jane Rowe 0409 588 302