The Rockliff Liberal Government's commitment to supporting the health and safety of Tasmania's fire-fighters continues with the passage of world-leading legislative reforms by the Parliament today.
The Bill recognises the unique work, health and safety risks that come with a career in fire-fighting by extending the list of presumptive cancers for fire-fighters to include nine additional cancers.
Minister for Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs, the Hon Madeleine Ogilvie MP, said the passage of the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2023 is a significant moment for our State.
"This new legislation means Tasmania moves from being not only a national leader in presumptive cancer legislation but a world leader," Minister Ogilvie said.
The nine additional cancers covered under the new legislation include:
- 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.
Minister Ogilvie said the changes recognise fire-fighters have an elevated risk of developing these cancers and provide access to support through our workers compensation scheme.
"Fire-fighters play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe and I am proud of our government's commitment to supporting their health and safety at work, and ensuring our workers compensation scheme recognises the specific risks they face in their roles."
Importantly, the bill provides for the inclusion of several female-specific cancers.
"I am very proud these amendments recognise the science, and remove the existing gap in coverage for cancers specific to females, providing equality and recognising the important role women play in our fire-fighting workforce."
