The Rockliff Liberal Government is taking action to better support the health and safety of Tasmania’s paid and volunteer firefighters, who unwaveringly serve our State and keep our communities safe.
The Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2023, which proposes amendments to the Schedule of diseases for which employment as a fire-fighter is presumptively linked to a significant degree, has now passed the House of Assembly.
Attorney-General and Minister for Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs, Elise Archer, said this is just the latest step in reform our Government has done in recent years on presumptive laws.
“I am immensely proud that these new laws will take Tasmania from being a national leader in presumptive cancer legislation to an international leader,” Minister Archer said.
“It recognises that fire-fighters have an elevated risk of developing these nine additional cancers and provides presumptive access to support through our workers compensation scheme.
“The importance of a robust and healthy firefighting workforce in safeguarding Tasmanians’ well-being is paramount.
“I am particularly proud that these amendments also rectify the existing gap in coverage for cancers specific to females. The inclusion of these female-specific cancers reflects the significant contribution of our female fire-fighters. Clearly, female fire-fighters should be afforded the same protections as their male colleagues.
The Bill will broaden the range of diseases covered under the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988, to encompass the following nine additional cancers:
- primary site cervical cancer;
- primary site ovarian cancer;
- primary site penile cancer;
- primary site thyroid cancer;
- primary site pancreatic cancer;
- primary site skin cancer;
- primary site lung cancer;
- primary site uterine cancer; and
- malignant mesothelioma.”
I look forward to the Legislative Council’s consideration of this important Bill,” Attorney-General and Minister for Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs, Elise Archer concluded.
The Rockliff Liberal Government will continue to provide record support to Tasmanian frontline staff as a part of its long-term plan, that does what matters for all Tasmanians.
