Devil's Dust

Devil's Dust is a compelling two-part Australian television mini-series, released in 2012. The program falls into the category of docudrama produced by Ammo Content and centers on real events that took place in Australia, providing a thoughtful examination of one of the defining public health crises in the nation's history.

The plot of Devil's Dust profoundly explores the grim realities that arose from the widespread use of asbestos, once touted as a 'miracle product', and the severe health consequences such as asbestosis and mesothelioma that it has caused amongst exposed workers and nearby residents. The mini-series is based on a combination of interviews, court records, and journalistic investigation - creating captivating storytelling that maintains the gravity and realism of its subject matter.

The story revolves around two pivotal characters that became instrumental in revealing the deadly truth around asbestos exposure. Featuring in this real-life drama is the determined and fearless journalist, Matt Peacock, and the brave, ordinary man and former James Hardie employee, Bernie Banton, who have found their lives inalterably bound together in a fight against the asbestos industry.

Matt Peacock, an ABC journalist played by Ewen Leslie, was one of the earliest to expose the dangers of the asbestos industry in the late 1970s. The series covers his investigative journey, revealing the slow and painful deaths suffered by those exposed to asbestos dust while working for the company. He becomes involved in the struggle after uncovering the dangers of anystosite asbestos, the blue-grey type of mineral fibre found in many building materials.

On the other side is Bernie Banton, played by Anthony Hayes, who quickly evolves from an ordinary James Hardie worker to a passionate and vocal campaigner for justice for asbestos victims after he and his brothers develop asbestosis from their work exposure. Despite his illness, he continues to fight against corporate irresponsibility and government indifference often in the face of personal health struggles, representing the voices of thousands marked by the asbestos tragedy.

The narrative weaves skillfully between these two men and their different but connected paths as they expose and challenge the powerful James Hardie company that had been withholding information about the health effects of the asbestos they produced.

The show takes the viewers through the era before the health risks of asbestos were known to the public, capturing the historic negligence of the James Hardie Company and their attempts to cover up the hazardous effect of their products. The mini-series also explores the lengths that corporate power can go to protect commercial interests, often to the detriment of human lives.

The performances by Ewen Leslie as Matt Peacock and Anthony Hayes as Bernie Banton are heartbreakingly powerful. The supporting cast is equally strong, adding depth to the series. The storytelling combined with the performance ensemble, brings a deeply human element to the industrial and legal drama that unfolds on the screen.

Devil's Dust dramatically presents to us the harsh realities of corporate greed and the willing negligence of public safety for profit. It's a portrayal of the resilience of the human spirit and the pursuit of justice against all odds. By unearthing a part of Australian history that left an undeniable impact on the nation's industry, health policies and lives of innocent individuals, the mini-series connects with the audience on a deeply emotional level.

With meticulous attention to detail, gripping enactments and deeply emotional storytelling, Devil's Dust presents a necessary look at an issue of immense national importance - the dangerous use of asbestos and the struggle of victims for justice. The show is not just about the fight against one corporation; it's an uncomfortable but necessary look at what can happen when profit is prioritized over human life and safety.

In its essence, Devil's Dust is a tale of David versus Goliath, of ordinary men standing up against an industry that has caused immeasurable harm to society. It is a story of truth, courage, and the quest for justice—elements that render the show a compelling watch. This mini-series is not just for Australian viewers but anyone interested in understanding the human costs of negligent corporate behavior and those brave enough to stand against it.