Under the scheme it will be easier for eligible forest firefighters to access compensation if they develop certain types of cancer such as leukemia or bladder cancer.
It is assumed the cancer arose because of their service as a firefighter, unless there is proof to the contrary, reducing the stress and burden of the compensation process for those eligible.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said he welcomed this recognition of the significant contribution forest firefighters make to the state.
‘The inclusion of FFMVic firefighters within the presumptive rights scheme will simplify the compensation process at a time when they need it most,’ Chris said.
The new scheme applies to all eligible FFMVic firefighters. This includes staff with firefighting roles from a range of Victorian Government agencies, including staff from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, VicForests, and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, and their predecessor organisations.
Firefighters diagnosed with a listed cancer who do not meet the minimum years of service threshold may still qualify for compensation through the scheme under a special consideration process if they can demonstrate attendance at an exceptional exposure event.
WorkSafe will administer the scheme with support from an expert advisory committee which includes members with forest firefighting, legal, and medical research expertise.
Prospective claimants can find everything they need to know on the WorkSafe website https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/forest-firefighters-presumptive-rights-compensation or by calling the DELWP Customer Service Centre on 1800 957 219.