Former state Labor MP Ernie Bridge is suing the state government and companies owned by two of Australia's richest women after being diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases.
Mr Bridge has claimed he was exposed to asbestos fibres and dust when he was the minister in charge of withdrawing government services from Wittenoom in the late 1980s.
The 76-year-old is also suing the Shire of Ashburton, CSR Limited, Midalco, Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting and Angela Bennett's Wright Prospecting.
Mr Bridge - who was the member for the Kimberley from 1980 to 2001 - lodged a writ in the WA Supreme Court seeking damages for contracting malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural disease and respiratory degeneration.
The father of four was WA's first Aboriginal MP and the first indigenous cabinet minister in any Australian government.
