Presumptive legislation for firefighters

The passing of the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment (Firefighters) Bill 2018 has significantly eased the process for firefighters in New South Wales to claim compensation for cancer developed during their service.

Rather than being required to demonstrate that their diagnosis of cancer arose out of or in their employment, and that their employment was the substantial contributing factor, it will be automatically presumed in certain circumstances.

Several international and national studies have shown that firefighters are at much greater risk of developing certain cancers, due to their exposure to hazardous toxins and carcinogens whilst on the job.

Monash University conducted their own study in 2014 based on career, part-time and volunteer firefighters in which it confirmed that the incidence of cancer was significantly raised for career firefighters, particularly male firefighters, compared to the general population. The incidence of cancer was