Peter Gordon, another high profile lawyer, has jumped back into the Wittenoom asbestos saga. In doing so, he is reigniting a decades-long battle that first started in 1987. Gordon and his brother, John Gordon also entered the legendary ominous mine site. They wanted to find evidence that would bring a case against Wally Simpson, one of the visible eight victims of the mine’s treacherous conditions. Their activism triggered an important court case with the Colonial Sugar Refining (CSR) corporation. More importantly, these documentaries offered first-hand testimony to the terrible consequences of asbestos exposure in Wittenoom.
In a dangerous act of trespass, Peter and John Gordon, accompanied by a professional photographer, broke into the Wittenoom mine site. Though their initial goal was to document the working conditions—the “real” working conditions, as they put it and collect crucial proof that could bolster Simpson’s case. Economist Peter Gordon would later describe this act as “a really dangerous thing to do.” He highlighted the incredible risks they undertook to bring the truth about the mine’s operations to light.
Their activism sparked a three-decade legal “battle” that only ended with CSR agreeing to buy back Wittenoom’s mining interests. In 1988, Peter Gordon won the first judgment against CSR for a worker poisoned by its negligence. This landmark case served as a precedent for later asbestos exposure cases.
The Legacy of Asbestos Exposure
Writtenoome has, tragically, been associated with over 2,000 deaths. This continues to grow each year as mesothelioma, a cancer that is uniquely caused by exposure to asbestos, often takes decades to manifest. Those grim statistics only underscore the mine’s ugly legacy. Over three million tonnes of mining waste contaminated with blue asbestos fibers still remain uncleared, often within residential areas. Instead, this dangerous material remains a potent threat to health. Today, the Banjima people, among many others, have the highest per capita incidence of mesothelioma in the world.
Peter Gordon’s return a momentous occasion for his storied legal career Peter Gordon returning. He is taking on a deeply personal case that has haunted him for the last 40 years. He has doubled down on his promise to illuminate the difficulties facing anyone under the injurious influence of asbestos exposure. He’s been a tireless advocate for the site’s much-needed remediation. The Banjima people have entered into some awful deals and suffered immensely due to their connection with this contaminated land. Today, they are imprisoned behind a 46,000-hectare exclusion zone that cuts them off from the majority of their traditional territory.
Meeting with Government Officials
In September, Peter Gordon and interim representatives of the Banjima people made history by meeting with West Australian Premier Roger Cook. They said that immediate, urgent remediation was needed at Wittenoom. During this meeting, Gordon was able to share his vision with the premier. He profoundly advised that Wittenoom should not be allowed to remain an indefinite liability for the government. He has no doubt Cook is committed to doing what’s best for the Banjima community. Cook is serious about making amends to the members of their tribe with historical grievances for asbestos exposure.
Even as concerns over climate change and inevitable transition grow, Premier Roger Cook has gone on record to recognize Wittenoom’s horrific legacy, calling it a “colossal tragedy.” His comments reflect an understanding of the profound impact of asbestos mining and the responsibilities that lie with both CSR and the government in addressing this public health crisis.
Gordon and Cook had a very important conversation. This discussion can be a first step towards redressing those wrongs and bringing justice to their victims. The Banjima community is hopeful that this new attention will lead to palpable and meaningful change. They are demanding action to remediate the site and provide restitution to people afflicted by the damage done by asbestos.
Continuing the Fight for Justice
As Peter Gordon resumes his fight for justice in Wittenoom, he remains dedicated to advocating for those impacted by asbestos exposure. His powerful story is a testament to the enduring impact of corporate disregard for safety and the need for legal accountability. Through continued efforts and collaboration with government officials and affected communities, there is hope for progress in addressing the legacy of Wittenoom.
