By DANE LILLINGSTONE
THE Queensland government has passed historic firefighter protection laws that provide compensation for a number of cancers that may be contracted in the course of their duties – and makes all types of firefighters equally compensated.
Rural firefighters across the state will be celebrating the news after the originally proposed legislation had a stipulation that they attend 150 fires over five years to be eligible for onset cancer compensation.
Local Southern Downs volunteer firefighter John Boucher has been doing the job in excess of 30 years and was elated at the outcome.
“Isn’t that a win. That’s great to hear. I’m happy that they’ve come up with that compromise. We’re all volunteers and you know it’s nice to know we’ve got that backup,” Mr Boucher said.
“I think for rural firefighters to have a level playing field with health issues, I think that’s great. It’s something we’ve never had, I don’t think a lot of the other officers would have thought about it much, they do it for the love of the job.”
The Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 was passed on 17 September and means all firefighters in the state will now be treated equally when it comes to compensation for dormant diseases they may contract at work.
Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations Curtis Pitt said it would provide greater certainty in compensation coverage for Queensland firefighters.
“These laws are a win for brave Queensland firies who put their lives on the line to keep the community safe,” Mr Pitt said.
“They make it easier for firefighters to access compensation for work-related cancers, and that’s a great outcome.
“It extends the same rights to volunteer firefighters as those enjoyed by fulltime and auxiliary firefighters who contract one of 12 specified work-related cancers.”
However it is in stark contrast to the Labor Government’s view on the matter months ago. The government was forced to bow to pressure from the Opposition and 35,000 volunteer firefighters who felt the original compensation was not fair.
Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said it was a win for the Southern Downs.
“Volunteer firefighters in my electorate of Southern Downs are the real winners today after Labor agreed to scrap the 150-fire quota,” Mr Springborg said.
“Labor pushed for a fire quota that only volunteer firefighters must meet making them attend 150 fires before receiving workers compensation.
“Only the LNP has been fighting to ensure every firefighter whether they are permanent, part-time, auxiliary or a volunteer rural firefighter should receive the same workers compensation.
“It seems a small act to repay this sacrifice by ensuring fair workers compensation is in place if a firefighter suffers from a disease, including cancers, in the course of their employment.”
