Alarm over cancer law reform for firefighters

PARKS and Forestry firefighters are angry at being left out of legislation to cover volunteers for workplace-related cancers.

Legislation being considered by Parliament gives volunteer firefighters the same rights to compensation as their full-time colleagues for cancers deemed to be a result of occupational exposure.

Community and Public Sector Union assistant secretary Thirza White said Parks and Forestry workers were exposed to the same risks but weren’t covered at all.

“This is just an unfair situation which needs to be changed,” she said.

“We all know can lead to cancer.

“If Parks and Wildlife Service and Forestry firefighters are standing shoulder to shoulder with volunteer firefighters, then they should be covered.

“We would hope it is an oversight by the Government and that they would take steps and make sure that they are covered.”

Ms White said the union had written to Upper House members seeking amendments to the new rules to cover Parks and Forestry firefighters.

“They’re heading into a summer that is already likely to be an incredibly difficult fire season,’’ she said.

“They’re a really important firefighting part of our fire response. This would be a very important goodwill gesture by the Government for these people who put their lives on the line to protect us.

“We’re hopeful the Legislative Council will be supportive.”

Emergency Services Minister Rene Hidding said the Government would look at the firefighters’ request.

“The Government fully supports the work of these groups and is open to this, but not before it has been properly modelled and costed, which we fully intend to do.”

Labor yesterday said the reforms relating to volunteers should be made easier to access.