NSW govt to boost asbestos payments

Lump sum payments to NSW families of asbestos victims would be increased by $65,000
under legislation to be introduced by the state government.
NSW Finance Minister Michael Daley on Tuesday flagged the compensation increase from
$245,700 to $311,050, which the government pays to families of workers who die
because of asbestos exposure.
The increase would be staged over two years, he said.
"Supporting the families of workers killed because of an asbestos or other dust
disease is important for this government and we want to make sure their compensation
is adequate," Mr Daley said.
"This proposed increase will help ensure that the families of the victims left
behind continue to receive a realistic level of compensation."
The legislation would be introduced this week, the final sitting week of parliament
before the March state election.