Mr WETTENHALL (Wednesday 10 March 2010) (5.27 pm): In the short time available to me, I will make a brief contribution in support of the Civil Liability and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2009. All members would be aware of one of the most tragic chapters in Australia's history, which is the terrible affliction of
dust related diseases. Anything that any parliament can do to facilitate access to justice for people who have been diagnosed with any of those dust related diseases is an excellent thing to do. In essence, one of the most important features of this bill does that by abolishing the application of the statute of limitations in relation to claims for personal injuries for dust related diseases.

The bill introduces other important reforms in relation to Sullivan v Gordon damages and Griffiths v Kerkemeyer damages, which have been well covered during the course of the debate. Principally, they extend the ability of persons to claim damages for loss of consortium and for gratuitous services.

The essence of those amendments is improving access to justice for people who have been diagnosed with dust related diseases. Anything we can do to make access to justice and damages easier, quicker, less complex and less stressful is certainly a very worthwhile exercise for this parliament.

With those few words, I commend the bill to the House.