The Palaszczuk Labor Government is coming under increased pressure to support rural firies and dump its poorly conceived Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation
Amendment Bill.
Speaking to rural firies in north Queensland, Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said under the LNP’s Private Member’s Bill, volunteer, part time and full time firefighters would all be covered, without a ridiculous ‘fire quota’.
VIDEO: A video from this visit is available at http://youtu.be/X1PunkMnEwI
He called on Labor to swallow its pride, admit it got it wrong and support the LNP’s Bill.
“Unfortunately the Palaszczuk Government’s proposed legislation means that before volunteer firefighters can claim any compensation for contracting one of 12 specified cancers, they are required to attend 150 fires,” Mr Springborg said.
“Why does Labor want to punish our dedicated volunteers who put their lives on the line to protect fellow Queenslanders?
“I have rural firefighters in my own electorate of Southern Downs who have told me they wouldn’t attend 150 fires in a lifetime but this doesn’t lessen their chances of developing certain cancers and it doesn’t diminish their selflessness in the protecting our community.
“Labor’s failure to adequately consult before introducing this legislation is why it is such a letdown.
“The United Firefighters Union Queensland (UFUQ), Queensland Auxiliary Firefighters Association and the Rural Fire Brigades Association of Queensland (RFBAQ) all support the LNP’s Bill.
“Before being elected Premier Palaszczuk promised Queenslanders her government would consult and listen to them, sadly it appears this promise has been broken.”
Shadow Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jarrod Bleijie said he encouraged all volunteer firefighters to have their say against the government’s discriminatory bill by Thursday 6 August.
“There are 35,000 volunteer fire fighters in Queensland and the LNP’s legislation will protect all fire fighters - irrespective of pay status or the colour of the fire engine,” he said.
“The LNP’s changes will provide the highest level of support in the country. Labor owes it to Queenslanders to support the LNP’s Bill so our rural firies get the level of support they deserve.”
