Asbestos victims want compensation assurances from James Hardie

Simon Evans and Jemima Whyte

Apr 8, 2025 – 5.20pm

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Anti-asbestos organisations have sought assurances that James Hardie will not abandon a compensation fund set up for asbestos disease victims two decades ago if it pursues a proposed shift to the New York Stock Exchange as part of a $14 billion merger with outdoor decking group Azek.

Melita Markey, the chief executive of Asbestos Diseases Society Australia, said old asbestos products manufactured by James Hardie and installed decades ago were still being uncovered by renovators and builders. “We will need some very strong assurances that all of that will remain as it is,” she said of the victims’ compensation fund.

Simon Evans writes on business specialising in retail, manufacturing, beverages, mining and M&A. He is based in Adelaide.

Jemima Whyte writes on business, specialising in companies, capital markets and innovation. Jemima has reported on business for The Australian Financial Review for more than 13 years.