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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-11-13 Daily Xml
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FIREFIGHTERS, WORKERS COMPENSATION

Mr BIGNELL (Mawson) (14:31): My question is to the Minister for Workers Rehabilitation. Can the minister explain the recent announcement by the Premier about workers compensation arrangements for career firefighters who develop certain types of cancer and whether this will also cover CFS volunteer firefighters?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Treasurer, Minister for Workers Rehabilitation, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:31): I acknowledge the member for Mawson's keen interest in and strong representations on behalf of the many volunteer firefighters in his electorate. I should also acknowledge the member for Frome, who has raised these issues with me. The government acknowledges the dedication and sacrifice of all our firefighters, both volunteer and paid. Their hard work and dedication is essential in protecting South Australia from the ravages of fire. Just this week the media has covered the Metropolitan Fire Service and the Country Fire Service working together to battle the fires around Port Lincoln.

On Monday of last week, the Premier announced that career firefighters who contracted certain types of cancer would not have to prove causation from their employment. Instead, the onus of proof would be on their employer to prove that the cancer was not caused by their jobs as firefighters. Overseas studies have shown that full-time firefighters are at greater risk than other occupations of developing certain types of cancer through direct exposure to carcinogens released by combusting materials. This is why the government plans to regulate to include these cancers on the list of diseases deemed to be employment related.

The government also highly values the important role that our volunteer firefighters play in keeping communities safe and we have committed to examining whether volunteers might also be included. The government will consider the scientific evidence available regarding types and length of exposure when considering whether volunteer firefighters' exposure to active firefighting and the related carcinogens is likely to be at a level that would also make it appropriate to reverse the onus of proof.

Dr McFetridge interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Member for Morphett, order!

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: The scientific evidence will need to be clear if volunteers are to be included. It is worth noting that even Adam Bandt, the Greens MP who introduced the bill on this matter in the federal parliament, did not support the inclusion of volunteers at this time. He stated—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: I think this is a serious matter. It is unfortunate that members opposite are not prepared to give it the seriousness it deserves. He stated—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: —on 31 October last year—and I am quoting him:

...if it is the case, at some later stage, volunteer firefighters consider they can mount a similar, science based case to be included in this, then they are in a position to do that.

Monash University is—

The SPEAKER: Order! Members on my left, order! Members on my right on the front bench, don't antagonise them.

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: Monash University is conducting a study of cancer, mortality and other possible health outcomes in Australian and New Zealand firefighters, including how to best consider career and volunteer firefighters with respect to their exposures. The government will consider this, along with other science-based evidence. The new regulation to address firefighter cancer is expected to be in place by 1 July next year, which allows time to investigate the options. It is important to note that under current arrangements all firefighters receive workers compensation coverage, whether they are full time or volunteer.

Dr McFetridge interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Morphett, order!

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: Any workers compensation claim is considered under the usual requirements of establishing that an injury arose from duties as a firefighter. The changes that are proposed for full-time firefighters in no way detract from the high regard in which our volunteer firefighters are held. I am sure I speak for all members of the house when I acknowledge and thank all our firefighters for their courage and their dedication to the protection of our state.

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