More cancer support for firefighters

FIREFIGHTERS will soon be able to access cancer support more quickly through the workers’ compensation system under new reforms to be introduced by the NSW Government, aligning the state with other jurisdictions.

Ten more cancers will qualify for workers’ compensation, in recognition of the occupational hazards frontliners are exposed to, removing the worker’s usual burden to prove causation.

Additional cancers now 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 presumptive cancers, in an ongoing effort to provide equity for male and female first responders.

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.

Scott Campbell, AFSM, President of the RFSA, said that volunteer firefighters work the frontline to keep the community safe.

“We know that bushfire smoke is a threat to the health of volunteer firefighters,” Campbell said.

“This reform means volunteers who, unfortunately, suffer cancer as a result of their service will be properly covered.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said it was a significant milestone.

“Firefighters work in difficult conditions protecting the community, and this reform provides recognition by delivering on our commitment to support frontline workers,” Dib said.

“We know a cancer diagnosis can be devastating for a firefighter and their family, as well as their colleagues and employer.

“I urge the Parliament to support these measures as a priority to ensure these benefits can be provided as quickly as possible.”

NSW Minister for the North Coast and State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, said she was pleased to support firefighters and other agencies who supported local families and communities.

“This is a well-deserved change that follows other positive actions such as the recruitment of hundreds of new firefighters and deployment of new fire trucks,” Saffin said.