News

SitRep 20/2026

June 5, 2026

PRESUMPTIVE CANCER REFORMS IN EFFECT FROM NEXT WEEK

FBEU members secured a landmark victory in 2025 with the passage of legislation expanding presumptive cancer protections for NSW firefighters. Following a sustained campaign led by FBEU members, current and retired firefighters, and the families and supporters who stood alongside us, the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment (Firefighters) Act 2025 was passed by the NSW Parliament, delivering the most comprehensive presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters in NSW history.

The legislation expanded the existing list of occupational cancers covered under presumptive cancer laws by adding:

• Pancreatic cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulval cancer
• Penile cancer
• Lung cancer
• Skin cancer

These cancers have now been added to the existing presumptive cancer scheme, increasing the total number of covered cancers from 12 to 22.

Importantly, FBEU members also secured retrospective claim provisions. These provisions allow eligible firefighters to seek a reassessment of workers compensation claims that were previously denied on causation grounds, ensuring that firefighters and their families are not disadvantaged by the absence of these protections in earlier years.

This week, the Governor issued the commencement proclamation for these reforms, bringing the legislation into legal effect from 12 June 2026. On Thursday, FBEU member Matt Carroll and I joined Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib and Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis to mark this significant milestone.

The commencement of these reforms represents the culmination of years of advocacy and campaigning by FBEU members. Through our ‘Cover Our Firies’ campaign, members worked tirelessly to ensure that firefighters diagnosed with occupational cancer receive the recognition, support and compensation they deserve.

From 12 June 2026, these hard-won improvements become law.

While this milestone is significant, the Union remains committed to improving firefighter health and safety outcomes and to minimising occupational exposures.

Members seeking assistance in navigating the legislation are encouraged to contact the FBEU office as soon as possible through the industrial inquiry form here.

 

LOG OF CLAIMS DELEGATES MEETINGS UNDERWAY

The first of our Delegates Meetings regarding the Union’s Log of Claims commenced this week, with strong attendance and positive engagement from delegates across the state. These meetings are providing delegates with detailed information about the Log of Claims and the next steps.

Any delegate who has not received details of the remaining meetings is encouraged to contact the Union office.

PFAS LEGAL ACTION HIGHLIGHTS ONGOING CONCERNS

Last week, the Commonwealth commenced legal proceedings against 3M and 3M Australia, seeking more than $2 billion in damages over PFAS contamination linked to firefighting foam used at 28 Defence sites across Australia. The Government alleges that 3M withheld information and misrepresented the environmental risks associated with PFAS-containing products. Members can read more about the case here.

For firefighters, the issue of PFAS exposure remains an important occupational health concern. Recognising this, the FBEU secured access to a voluntary PFAS blood testing program as part of the 2023 Award, alongside comprehensive cancer screening provisions. These programs were negotiated by the Union to assist firefighters in managing both historical and ongoing occupational exposures and to provide members with greater information about their health.

Members with questions about PFAS blood testing or cancer screening arrangements are encouraged to contact the Union office.

In Unity,

Leighton Drury
State Secretary

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