Coalition promises compensation access for firefighters who get cancer

The Coalition has pledged to broaden legislation that guarantees firefighters who contract cancer access to compensation. The presumptive rights legislation currently covers Victorian firefighters diagnosed with specific cancers to ensure they receive compensation. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson stated that the scheme would be expanded to encompass firefighters who develop thyroid and lung cancer.

Should the Coalition secure victory in the upcoming state election, firefighters who contract cancer due to their service will face improved compensation access. Jess Wilson has pledged to align presumptive rights legislation for firefighters with those in other states. Victorian firefighters are already covered by presumptive rights legislation, which entitles them to compensation if diagnosed with certain types of cancer.

However, the law applies only to firefighters who develop one of a specified list of cancers while fulfilling approved job roles. Former Country Fire Authority (CFA) technical field officer Simon Lund campaigned to amend the law before succumbing to oesophageal cancer. He was ineligible for compensation as he did not hold an approved job title.

Wilson highlighted that insufficient cancers are currently covered in Victoria compared to other states like Queensland. She affirmed that a Liberal government would broaden the program to cover thyroid and lung cancer. It remains uncertain if the Coalition's plan would also extend the approved job titles under the scheme. The Victorian government has yet to comment on the matter.

The Coalition has further promised $160 million over four years to modernize Fire Rescue Victoria's aging fleet, with $40 million allocated annually for vehicle replacements. The United Firefighters Union estimates that 138 fire trucks, or approximately 65% of the FRV's vehicles, are past their service life. The Coalition has also vouched for a review of firefighter handsets and fireground communications, alongside a helmet replacement program.

Nick McGown, the Opposition spokesperson for Fire Rescue Victoria, emphasized that modern firefighting equipment is crucial. He stated that our firefighters risk their lives to protect us, and it is our duty to ensure they possess the necessary vehicles, equipment, and resources to respond swiftly, safely, and effectively during emergencies.

Justin Seddon, captain of the Nar Nar Goon Fire Brigade in Victoria's southeast, whose brigade has recorded 22 cancer cases among long-serving members, including three fatalities, welcomed the Liberal's promise. He stated that this is what volunteer firefighters have been striving for, to align the legislation with other states.

For Seddon, this implies that firefighters and their families now have protection and support to navigate future health challenges.