News

SitRep 22/2026

July 3, 2026

ADVOCACY FOR PRESUMPTIVE RECOGNITION OF MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE COMMENCES

The FBEU has successfully campaigned for significant improvements to presumptive cancer legislation in NSW, ensuring firefighters diagnosed with occupational cancers have better access to the care and compensation they deserve. As the scientific evidence evolves, the Union will continue to advocate for firefighters affected by other occupational diseases.

Emerging international research indicates firefighters face an elevated risk of developing Motor Neurone Disease (MND), including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These diseases are associated with many of the same chemical exposures linked to firefighter occupational cancer, including repeated exposure to toxic combustion products and hazardous contaminants. Similar links have also been identified among defence force personnel.

Sadly, this issue is already affecting our profession. The FBEU is aware of members who have been diagnosed with, and who have tragically lost their lives to, MND.

Unlike many occupational cancers, there is currently no legal recognition of MND or ALS as an occupational disease under presumptive workers’ compensation legislation. However, firefighters and researchers in other jurisdictions are advocating for greater recognition as the scientific evidence continues to develop.

The Union welcomes the recent decision by the NSW Government to make MND a notifiable condition and establish a statewide registry recording diagnoses, including patients’ occupations. This is an important first step towards building the comprehensive data needed to better understand occupational and environmental risk factors. It reflects the same evidence-based approach that underpinned the successful inclusion and expansion of presumptive cancer legislation for firefighters.

Accordingly, the FBEU have commended advocacy for the inclusion of MND, including ALS, within NSW firefighter presumptive workers’ compensation framework. Members can view the correspondence to Minister Dib here. Note that a similar letter also went to Minister Cotsis.

FBEU POLICY ON UFUA

The FBEU office has received several member enquiries regarding recent interstate and national media coverage involving the United Fire Fighters Union of Australia (UFUA).

This provides a timely reminder, particularly for newer members, that the FBEU has not been affiliated with the UFUA since 2010, following a Special General Meeting resolution. Members can read more about that decision here.

The FBEU remains committed to building strong relationships with other unions and organisations, both nationally and internationally, where they advance the interests of firefighters and the broader trade union movement.

JULY SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

A reminder that an SGM will be held starting 0900 on 13 July 2026.

The current meetings are outlined below. A final list will be sent out after the 8 July deadline. 

Members residing in an area covered by the Retained and Country Sub-Branches may meet locally (but once only) at any time between 1300 13 July and ending at 1100 17 July, provided that:

1. A quorum of at least seven financial Union members will be present throughout the entire course of the meeting, and
2. Written notice of intention to hold a meeting a meeting together with the proposed time, date, and location, is received by the FBEU office no later than 1400 on 8 July 2026.

Please send the written notice of your intention to hold a meeting to the Union office at office@fbeu.net so we can inform members of SGM details.

Day	Date	Time	Location	Sub-Branch
Monday	13 July	0900	St Andrews 092	Sydney South West
Monday	13 July	1300	Kogarah 021	Sydney South
Monday	13 July	1730	South Tamworth 448	Country
Tuesday	14 July	0900	City of Sydney 001	Sydney Central
Tuesday	14 July	1300	Crows Nest 036	Sydney North
Tuesday	14 July	1330	Dapto 277	Illawarra
Tuesday	14 July	1400	Cessnock 254	Country
Tuesday	14 July	1700	Turvey Park 472	Country
Tuesday	14 July	1800	East Maitland 373	Country
Tuesday	14 July	1800	Broken Hill 238	Country
Wednesday	15 July	0900	Gosford 304	Central Coast
Wednesday	15 July	1000	Springwood 445	Country
Wednesday	15 July	1300	Newcastle 260	Newcastle
Thursday	16 July	0900	Queanbeyan 428	Country
Thursday	16 July	1000	Campsie 052	Sydney Inner West
Thursday	16 July	1400	Huntingwood 097	Sydney Outer West
Thursday	16 July	1700	Coffs Harbour 257	Country
Thursday	16 July	1900	Coonamble 265	Retained
Friday	17 July	1200	Parramatta 027	Sydney Central West

In Unity,

Leighton Drury
State Secretary

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