Firefighters across Queensland are one step closer to getting a fair deal after the Labor MP’s on the Finance and Administration Committee endorsed the LNP’s workers compensation policy.
The committee’s report on the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 tabled yesterday, recommended Labor scraps its proposed discriminatory fire quota on volunteer firefighters.
Shadow Minister for Police, Fire, Emergency Services and Corrective Services, Jarrod Bleijie, said the committee’s recommendation was a win for volunteer firefighters across Queensland.
“Labor’s proposal was unfair and discriminated against volunteer firefighters and we are glad to see the committee saw sense and supported the LNP’s position,” Mr Bleijie said.
“Unfortunately, the Minister responsible for volunteer firefighters, Jo-Ann Miller, has been missing in action and I call on the Minister to stand up for rural firefighters and publicly back the LNP proposal endorsed by the Labor committee members.
“The committee admitted Labor’s proposal to force volunteer firefighters to attend 150 fires before being eligible to receive compensation if they contract cancer was not based on scientific evidence.
“In stark contrast, the LNP’s proposal ensured Queensland’s hard-working firefighters, regardless of pay status or the colour of their fire truck, received the same workers compensation support.”
Mr Bleijie said Labor now has no excuse and should immediately adopt the Committee’s recommendations and support the LNP’s bill.
“The LNP has the support of our frontline firefighters, it has the support of the industry, it has the support of Queenslanders and now the Parliamentary Committee,” he said.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government has an opportunity to work with the LNP to ensure firefighters receive the highest level of support in the country.
“We urge Labor to rise above politics and ensure the 36,000 volunteer firefighters in Queensland get a fair deal.”
Mr Bleijie said the LNP’s bill ensures a firefighter, full-time auxiliary or volunteer, who suffers a disease deemed to be ‘work-related’, receives workers compensation immediately.
“This will make the process so much easier and is the least we can do for these selfless men and women who put their lives at risk every day to protect our communities.”
