The three-day coronial inquest into the circumstances surrounding the workplace accident that took Ben Catanzariti’s life in 2012 was held at the Coroner's Court on Tuesday, April 18.

The 21-year old was killed when a 39-metre concrete pouring boom collapsed on top of him at a Canberra building site.

Mrs Catanzariti didn’t know why the magistrate had adjourned the case until September but she said despite the lengthy proceedings, she would keep going, not matter how long it took.

“I fought four years and nine months to find out how my son got killed,” she said. 

“Another six months or twelve months wont make a difference if we can get the right answer.”  

Mrs Catanzariti said despite physical and mental exhaustion, she felt as though she wasn’t alone anymore. 

She said she was shattered earlier this year when a lack of financial means to support another legal battle left her wondering if anyone would be able to speak for her son.  

Mrs Catanzariti said her faith and hope were restored when Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union came to the family’s legal aid in January. 

“We would not be here today if we weren’t represented,” she said.

“Hopefully justice might prevail now.”

Baffled by the legal system, Mrs Catanzariti said she was grateful for the amazing support of the union and her lawyer, Tom Roberts, whom she “could not have done without”. 

“We know how Ben got killed – he got in the head by a 39 metre concrete boom,” Mrs Catanzariti said.

“We want to know why ... what was the reason?”

Mrs Catanzariti said she fought for legislative change to industrial legislation because she knew first-hand what it was to lose someone to an “accident that shouldn’t have happened”.

“On average one worker is killed every week,” Mrs Catanzariti said. 

“It’s the law that needs changing … That’s why I want a senate inquiry into industrial death.”  

During the proceedings last week, she said detective senior constable Roscoe had given evidence following his investigation. 

When he attended the crime scene almost five-years ago he reported the bolts on the concrete boom had given way. 

Mrs Catanzariti said she didn’t understand why the coroner had not called on the boom’s servicing company as a witness during the inquiry but she had faith in her legal representation. 

“I don't know the words to express how I feel …  a sense of relief I'm not fighting alone now,” she said. 

“It's not just me thinking Ben shouldn't be collateral damage for working on a construction site.