WE have some truly memorable people from the Hills - hurdler Jana Rawlinson (nee Pittman), singer/songwriter Delta Goodrem, tennis star Lleyton Hewitt, Melbourne Cup ace jockey Glenn Boss, the former Blue Wiggle Anthony Field, netball champ Catherine Cox and young Australian swimmers, Kendrick Monk and Grant Brits.

To name a few.

But I most admire a dying West Pennant Hills resident, Bernie Banton who, three years ago, received an Order of Australia for winning compensation of millions of dollars for asbestos victims from a reluctant James Hardie.

The courageous Banton is not contesting the elections, per se, but he's gained more publicity than many local candidates backing his union supporters.

For all the wrong reasons.

Two weeks ago he called Workplace Minister, Joe Hockey ''a grub'' for Hockey's scathing attack on unions, eliciting a grudging apology of sorts.

Last week it was the Health Minister, Tony Abbott's turn for a free-kick, accusing Banton of a political stunt. When the wheel-chair bound Banton and his Construction Union mates rocked up outside Abbott's Manly electorate office bearing a 17,000-signature petition urging listing on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme the drug, Alimta which can

prolong the lives of asbestos victims Tony Abbott had ducked out.

''Look, it was a stunt, let's be upfront about this,'' Abbott told Channel Nine. ''I know Bernie is very sick but just because a person is sick doesn't mean that he is necessarily pure of heart in all things.''

A furious Banton called the minister ''a flea.'' He told the Herald's Andrew West: ''What a gutless human being. He wasn't game enough to front up and face the very people his Government is denying treatment to.''

Within hours, Deputy Labor Leader Julia Gillard demanded an unreserved public apology from Tony Abbott.

Abbott rang Banton the following day and personally apologised, saying what we all know: ''He is a thoroughly decent bloke, very committed to helping people who are suffering from asbestos-related diseases. Obviously I shouldn't have been as dismissive as I was.''

Then, famously, Tony Abbott arrived late for a debate.

Health Minister, heal thyself.