19 April 2013

Horan: Councils must be able to join James Hardie lawsuit

Government should encourage City and District Councils to join the Ministry of Education “leaky buildings” lawsuit against James Hardie, says independent MP Brendan Horan.

It was revealed this week that James Hardie is being sued by the Crown for leaky building issues at thousands of schools.

“Councils and ratepayers have also taken huge financial losses for the repair or rebuild of leaky homes featuring James Hardie’s alleged defective products. Being able to join the lawsuit would provide a cost-effective and responsible way to recoup some of the costs,” said Brendan Horan.

“If ever there was a time for a corporate to show some true social responsibility, and accept financial responsibility for their past actions, it is now. And if they don’t then they must face due process in the courts and be exposed as hypocrites.”

“Why should taxpayers and ratepayers continue to carry the cost for problems caused by companies and developers who exploited deregulation? I’m sure that many of the Councils would take up the opportunity to join the lawsuit,” said Brendan Horan.

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