Local government motion on James Hardie Industries
9 November 2004
The National General Assembly of Local Government has today passed the following motion:
That this National General Assembly of Local Government condemns the actions of James Hardie Industries in the strongest possible terms for not accepting responsibility to fully fund the legitimate claims brought by asbestos victims against its former subsidiaries.
The Assembly calls on James Hardie Industries to adequately provide for current and future asbestos victims.
Further, councils and contractors are encouraged to review product availability from the competitors of James Hardie Industries and to include as part of their criteria of choice:
- the respective corporate reputations of those suppliers: and
- the relative acceptance of those suppliers in delivering secure occupational and health outcomes for victims of industrial injury.
Councils are encouraged to review policies around their employees, local workers and residents who have, or may come, in contact with asbestos during their course of their duties.
The General Assembly calls on James Hardie Industries to meet with the ALGA Executive to discuss appropriate solutions to local government's concerns as expressed by Assembly delegates, and
Request ALGA to inform United Cities and Local Government of this position, and seek their support internationally.
More than 650 delegates from councils across Australia are meeting in Canberra to discuss a broad range of issues including local government financing, cost shifting, population and demographic change, the environment, transport and infrastructure.
