As the James Hardie inquiry nears the finish line, the Federal Treasurer has made it clear that companies will not be able to avoid compensation liabilities. The inquiry into the handling of the company’s asbestos compensation has produced a huge amount of evidence, and Commissioner David Jackson QC is expected to hand down his findings on September 21.

Despite having its origins in Australia, James Hardie is now officially based in the Netherlands, and about three-quarters of its sales are in the United States.

“If anyone wants to put their assets beyond the reach of legitimate claimants, particularly people who have claims like this, it is unconscionable, and the full force of the law will apply to them,” Mr Costello said in an interview with ABC Radio.