The new laws will allow Victorians who have been compensated for asbestosis the right to seek further compensation if they develop mesothelioma and asbestos related cancers.

Until the Victorian Government's recent announcement, if an asbestosis sufferer made a claim they could not make any more claims for their condition if they later developed mesothelioma or asbestos related lung cancer.

``It has been like trying to second guess whether you should or should not make a claim now or wait till later in case the unspeakable happens,'' GARDS secretary Vicki Hamilton said.

``Meanwhile these sufferers would have to endure a debilitating illness that took away their health and freedom so that they could not even do the simplest of tasks because they could not get enough breath.

``It meant that they would need aids such as oxygen and wheelchairs, or hire tradesmen to do jobs they would normally have done themselves.''

Ms Hamilton said the cost of supplying medical equipment to make life easier or to have other people maintain their home environment was a burden on families.

``We are very happy that these changes are taking place and bringing Victoria into line with the other states that already allow this to happen,'' Ms Hamilton said.

``These changes will now bring fairer compensation for Victorian workers who so rightly and justly deserve to be looked after in this manner.''

GARDS wrote letters and emails to the Victorian Government earlier this year to highlight the plight of asbestos sufferers.