Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill

Saturday, 8 October 2011

On 7 October I met with Senior Industrial Officer Greg Cooper and Union President Darren Guy regarding the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2011.

I understand the plight of some firefighters who go about their work, and in doing so, contract cancer. I also understand the current limitations within the Safety, Rehabilitation Act as it currently stands regarding this issue.

The Education, Employment & Workplace Relations Legislative Committee Senate Report provides clear recommendations to remedy this matter and I support those recommendations.

I will endeavour to discuss this important matter with my Federal Labor colleagues this week. As has always been my practice, I will be voting in Parliament in accordance with decisions made by the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party on this matter.