(Photo: Nanango Electorate Office)
September 10, 2015
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington says rural volunteer firefighters are one step closer to getting a fair deal after the Labor MPs on the Finance and Administration Committee endorsed the LNP’s workers compensation policy.
Mrs Frecklington said the committee’s report on the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 was tabled on Tuesday (September 8) and it recommended that Labor scraps its fire quota on volunteer firefighters.
“This is a real win for rural volunteer firefighters across our region,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Labor’s proposal was unfair and discriminated against volunteer firefighters and we are glad to see the committee saw sense and supported the LNP’s position.
“The committee admitted Labor’s proposal to force volunteer firefighters to attend 150 fires before being eligible to receive compensation if they contract cancer was not based on scientific evidence.”
The LNP’s version of the Bill would provide coverage to help all Queensland firefighters who contract one of 12 specified cancers in the course of protecting the community.
“The LNP’s proposal ensured Queensland’s hard-working firefighters, regardless of pay status or the colour of their fire truck, received the same workers compensation support,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Earlier in the year I signed a pledge to support rural firefighters and I want to let them know I will continue to push for the adoption of our Bill.
“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.”
Related articles
