NSW firefighters diagnosed with a range of 10 cancers will be able to access support more quickly through the workers compensation system under reforms to be introduced by the State Government.
The Government has announced it will expand the number of cancers where firefighters are presumed to qualify for workers compensation, in recognition of the occupational hazards they are exposed to as first responders.
The expansion removes the worker’s usual burden to prove causation, which can be difficult due to the nature of how these cancers are contracted and firefighting work.
The additional cancers include primary site lung, pancreatic, thyroid and skin cancers, as well as female and male reproductive cancers including cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulval and penile.
“This is a significant milestone to ensure that people who put themselves in harm’s way for the safety of the community are supported in their time of need. Firefighters work in difficult conditions protecting the community and this reform provides recognition by delivering on our commitment to support frontline workers,” said Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib.
“In developing this reform, we met with firefighters, the union and volunteer firefighter associations and considered work in other jurisdictions to determine how we could best support first responders.
“We are providing a better safety net for frontline firefighters in this state while at the same time reforming workers compensation to make it more sustainable so it can continue to support injured workers, including our emergency service workers.
“I urge the Parliament to support these measures as a priority to ensure these benefits can be provided as quickly as possible.”
The move brings NSW into line with other states, while making NSW the first state to recognise two female reproductive cancers (vulval and vaginal) as presumptive cancers for firefighters.
Under the Workers Compensation Act 1987, qualifying firefighters are already presumed to be eligible where they are diagnosed with other primary cancers including leukemia, brain, bladder and kidney cancer, as well as breast, testicular and prostate cancer. The list of existing presumptive cancers also covers non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, esophageal, colorectal and ureter cancer.
All firefighters must serve qualifying periods to be entitled to the presumption. Under the changes, an expert panel will be established to review volunteers’ claims for the additional cancers against a requirement for the firefighter to have regularly engaged in frontline firefighting activity.
The changes will enhance access for volunteer and paid firefighters with the NSW Rural Fire Service as well as firefighters employed by Fire and Rescue NSW, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Forestry Corporation and other NSW agencies.
Fire Brigade Employees Union Secretary, Leighton Drury welcomed news of the proposed legislation.
“Professional firefighters have worked hard for this result and we are pleased to see our employer, and the NSW Government, recognise the additional risks of our profession,” said Mr Drury.
“FBEU members keep our communities safe every day and it’s important that our safety at work is recognised in this legislation.”
Rural Fire Service Association President, Scott Campbell also applauded the reforms.
“Volunteer firefighters work at the frontline to keep the community safe from a range of incidents, from bushfires to vehicle and structure fires,” he said.
“We know that bushfire smoke is a threat to the health of volunteer firefighters. This reform means volunteers who unfortunately suffer cancer as a result of their service will be properly covered.”
