July 23, 2015
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington has pledged her support to all firefighters through a Bill currently before State Parliament which provides protection for firies who contract cancer.
Mrs Frecklington says the LNP introduced the “Protecting Firefighters Bill” to provide coverage to help all Queensland firefighters who contract one of 12 specified cancers in the course of protecting the community.
“Under the Bill the LNP have introduced, all firies, including volunteers in the Rural Fire Brigade, part-time and full-time employees, are covered and the only qualification is that they would have needed to attend at least one fire,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Unfortunately, Labor have introduced a subsequent Bill which is similar, but which says Volunteer fire fighters need to attend 150 fires before they are eligible. This just isn’t right, and all firefighters deserve our support on this issue.
“The changes the LNP have proposed would provide the highest level of support in the country. If a firefighter suffers one of the 12 cancers that was deemed to be ‘work-related’, it will be presumed the cancer was caused by that employment for the purposes of a workers’ compensation claim.
“Like the rest of Queensland, the LNP respects the hard work, dedication and sense of service that permanent, part-time, auxiliary and volunteer rural firefighters have and the innate sense of selflessness these men and women display on a daily basis, protecting lives and property around this State.
“It is important we repay them for this dedication through this Bill and bring Queensland firefighters in line with their counterparts across Australia.
“There are 35,000 volunteer fire fighters in Queensland and our legislation would protect all fire fighters – irrespective of pay status or the colour of their fire engine.
“This is about making the process easier. The last thing someone needs when they are told they have cancer is to go through an extra battle making sure they can take the time they need for treatment.”
Mrs Frecklington said both Bills are currently being considered by the Finance and Administration Committee and she encouraged everyone to support the LNP’s Bill by lodging a submission before the closing date of August 3 at fac@parliament.qld.gov.au
