Southern Downs firies deserve a fair deal: Springborg
FIREFIGHTERS on the Southern Downs deserve the same workers compensation whether they work full time or volunteer, according to the LNP.
Member for Southern Downs Lawrence Springborg said the State Government was discriminating against volunteers.
"My community is protected by selfless firefighters who put their lives on the line to keep us and our property safe," Mr Springborg said.
"It seems a small act to repay this sacrifice by ensuring fair workers compensation is in place if a firefighter suffers from a disease, including cancers, in the course of their employment.
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"While the LNP is fighting for every firefighter to have this protection whether they are permanent, part-time, auxiliary or a volunteer rural firefighter, Labor is wanting to pick and choose.
"Labor is pushing for a fire quota that only volunteer firefighters must meet making them attend 150 fires before receiving workers compensation.
"This is nothing more than discrimination, it is unfair and an insult to those volunteers selflessly putting themselves in harm's way for our protection."
Today the Finance and Administration Committee is due to hand down its report into the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 and Shadow Minister for Police, Fire, Emergency Services and Corrective Services Jarrod Bleijie is hopeful the committee will endorse the LNP's proposed legislation to protect all firefighters.
"The LNP hopes the committee recommends to scrap Labor's unfair 150 fire quota on volunteer firefighters," Mr Bleijie said.
"It is time the Labor Palaszczuk Government put politics aside and give volunteer firefighters a fair deal.
"The LNP's proposed bill would see firefighters receive the highest level of support in the country and is supported by the industry and the community.
"Labor owes it to Queenslanders to support the LNP's Bill so our rural firies get the level of support they deserve."
