[4] In his victory speech on 24 November after winning the election, the Prime Minister-elect Kevin Rudd paid special tribute to Banton, saying that he represented the "great Australian trade union movement" and was a beacon of decency in his fight for compensation.

[6] In the Queen's Birthday Honours of 13 June 2005, Banton was made a Member of the Order of Australia "for service to the community, particularly as an advocate for people affected by asbestos-related illnesses".

[8] On 21 January 2009, a new asbestos diseases research institute at Sydney's Concord Repatriation General Hospital was named the Bernie Banton Centre.

The Bernie Banton Foundation was an Australian not-for-profit organisation devoted to asbestos awareness and education, support and patient advocacy on behalf of asbestos-related disease sufferers, their carers and loved ones.

The Foundation's aim was to be: "The voice of reason for Australian asbestos related disease sufferers, their carers and loved ones, allied health and care providers, and to the wider community.