Fed: Labor turns up political heat on James Hardie

AAP General News (Australia)
08-12-2004
Fed: Labor turns up political heat on James Hardie

Labor has given $77,500 in donations from James Hardie to a fighting fund to help victims
of the company's asbestos products, and it's putting pressure on the government to do
the same.

Opposition leader MARK LATHAM says the ALP isn't comfortable taking money from James
Hardie when the building products supplier is accused of dodging asbestos compensation
claims.

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD and Treasurer PETER COSTELLO say they'll wait for the findings
of the New South Wales Special Commission of Inquiry before passing judgment on James
Hardie.

Records reveal James Hardie has donated $74,000 to the Liberal Party since 2001, along
with $15,000 to The Nationals and $15,000 to the Australian Democrats.

The company's handling of asbestos compensation is the subject of the official inquiry
in New South Wales, with claims its compensation fund will fall short by more than $1.5
billion.

James Hardie chairman ALAN MCGREGOR quit yesterday citing ill-health.

AAP RTV kmh/sw/rp

KEYWORD: JAMES HARDIE (CANBERRA)

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