GEORGE Flack had written a standard letter to Bendigo MPs seeking signatures on a petition calling for legislation changes on the way firefighters could be compensated for cancers thought to be work-related.
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This has been a long-running discussion between the fire-fighting unions, the CFA and the State Government.
I would have felt Mr Flack and his colleagues would be well aware of the Coalition State Government’s position on this, but I would like to take this opportunity to pass on the recent comments from the relevant Minister, Assistant Treasurer Mr Gordon Rich-Phillips.
“Firefighter cancer claims fast-tracked and simplified," he said.
“All volunteer and career firefighters are currently entitled to compensation if they contract cancer through firefighting and the Coalition Government strongly encourages firefighters who believe they have contracted cancer through firefighting to lodge a claim.
“Firefighters in Victoria are covered for any illness or injury sustained as a result of their duties, under Victoria’s no-fault WorkCover scheme, and the equivalent Country Fire Authority for volunteers. When a claim is submitted, a firefighter does not need to provide details of each and every fire fought.
“The Coalition Government has acted by fast-tracking and simplifying the cancer claims processes for firefighters with the establishment of a firefighters assessment panel, ensuring the number of expert practitioners available to assess claims has been increased, and automatically reviewing claims a second time if a claim is initially declined.
“The Victorian Government is not ruling out presumptive legislation and will continue to consider new medical and scientific evidence as it becomes available.
“To assist firefighters with claims, a firefighter advisory hotline (1800 060 729) is available to help with the claims process. It is essential that firefighters are aware of their entitlement and encouraged to lodge a claim. “While Labor claims it supports presumptive legislation, its own Policy Platform released last month calls for more studies on cancers.“
I trust this is of some assistance to Mr Flack.
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