Presumptive Laws for Queensland Firefighters

Eligibility - Queensland citizens
Principal Petitioner:
Henry Lawrence
United Firefighters' Union of Australia Union of Employees Queensland
Upper Level, 286 Montague Road
Total Signatures - 1,958
Sponsoring Member: Evan Moorhead MLA
Posting Date: 29/1/2008
Closing Date: 29/7/2008
Tabled Date: 27/8/2008
Responded By: Hon John Mickel MP on 10/10/2008
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland
Queensland citizens draw to the attention of the House that scientific studies have shown that firefighters are more likely to develop multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, prostate, testicular and other cancers than other workers. Studies also show an increased risk of heart and lung disease in firefighters. Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to enact laws that link these cancers and diseases with firefighting so there is a presumption the cancer or disease contracted by a firefighter is associated with firefighting thereby requiring the employer or workcover authority to demonstrate or prove to the contrary.