The announcement follows a law passed in Federal Parliament that identifies types of cancer that are more common in firefighters and removes legal barriers compensation.
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) Chief Executive Officer Andrew Ford says the Greens’ support is a step forward for the volunteers’ campaign.
“We wrote to all State MPs in December, appealing for their support, and this is the most tangible sign of progress,” Mr Ford said.
“Importantly, it applies to all Victorian firefighters, both volunteers and career staff, and it follows Federal legislation that had the universal support of the Government, the Opposition and the Greens,” he said.
“We are dealing with the health of individuals and this issue should not become a political issue.
“Our desire would be that all the major political parties get on board and support this legislation, just as they did in Federal Parliament,” Mr Ford said.
“Firefighters employed by the Federal Government, for example at airports, already receive improved cancer compensation rights, and the Victorian volunteers and career firefighters who are doing the same work, using the same equipment and facing the same exposure to hazardous chemicals, deserve the same protections,” he said.
“Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria has been campaigning for this important protection for all Victorian firefighters for some time, we have had confirmation from the Minister for Emergency Services that the State Government is looking into it, and we call on all political parties to make sure it happens as soon as possible.”
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