Coalition promises compensation access for firefighters who get cancer

Firefighters who develop cancer as a result of their service will have better access to compensation if the Coalition wins the state election later this month. 

Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has promised to expand presumptive rights legislation for firefighters, bringing it in line with other states. 

Victorian firefighters are covered by presumptive rights legislation which ensures they are entitled to compensation if diagnosed with certain types of cancer.

The law only applies to firefighters who developed one of a list of cancers, having worked in an approved position.  

Former Country Fire Authority (CFA) technical field officer Simon Lund spent his final days campaigning to have the law changed before he died of oesophageal cancer. He was unable to access the legislation due to not holding an approved job title.

Ms Wilson said not enough cancers were covered in Victoria, compared to other states, including Queensland. 

She said a Liberal government would expand the program to cover thyroid and lung cancer. 

"To ensure that our firefighters in the FRV but also CFA, our volunteers, have access to that through WorkSafe," Ms Wilson said. 

It is unclear whether the Coalition's plan would also expand the approved job titles applicable under the scheme.

The Victorian government has been approached for comment. 

Promises continue

The Coalition has also promised $160 million over four years to modernise Fire Rescue Victoria's aging fleet, with $40 million allocated annually to replace vehicles.

The United Firefighters Union estimates 138 fire trucks, or 65 per cent of FRV's vehicles, are past the end of their service life.

The Coalition has also promised a review of firefighter handsets and fireground communications, and a helmet replacement program. 

Opposition spokesperson for Fire Rescue Victoria, Nick McGown, said modern firefighting equipment was crucial. 

"Our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect us, and we owe it to them and every Victorian family to ensure they have the vehicles, equipment and resources needed to respond quickly, safely and effectively when disaster strikes," he said.

Firefighters welcome announcement

Justin Seddon is the captain of the Nar Nar Goon Fire Brigade, in Victoria's south-east, whose brigade has recorded 22 cancer cases among long-serving members, including three deaths. 

Almost half of the firefighters are not eligible for compensation under state government compensation schemes.

In Victoria, presumptive protections only apply to certain cancers, but exclude cancers such as thyroid and lung cancer. 

Mr Seddon said the Liberal promise would be well received. 

"This is something that volunteer firefighters have been fighting for for a long time, to bring the legislation in line with other states," he said.

"What this means is that we've got protection now. It means that our families, if we do become sick, will be protected and the legislation is there to support us going forward."