ELIGIBLE Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) firefighters will now have access to a new presumptive rights scheme that makes it easier to access compensation for certain types of cancer.

Under the scheme, it will be easier for eligible forest firefighters to access compensation if they develop certain types of cancer, such as leukemia or bladder cancer.

It is assumed the cancer arose because of their service as a firefighter, unless there is proof to the contrary, reducing the stress and burden of the compensation process for those eligible. 

This includes staff with firefighting roles from a range of Victorian Government agencies, including staff from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, VicForests, and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR). 

Firefighters diagnosed with a listed cancer who do not meet the minimum years of service threshold may still qualify for compensation through the scheme under a special consideration process if they can demonstrate attendance at an exceptional exposure event.

WorkSafe will administer the scheme with support from an expert advisory committee which includes members with forest firefighting, legal, and medical research expertise.

FFMVic chief fire officer, Chris Hardman, said he welcomed the recognition of the significant contribution forest firefighters make to the state of Victoria.

“The inclusion of Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighters within the presumptive rights scheme will simplify the compensation process at a time when they need it most,” he said.

Prospective claimants can find everything they need to know on the WorkSafe website at worksafe.vic.gov.au/forest-firefighters-presumptive-rights-compensation