RFSA pushes for more compensation

A regional volunteer firefighter battling multiple cancers from his years of service says the government's treatment of those impaired on duty is 'disgusting'. A major compensation gap between emergency services and other professions has the Rural Fire Service Association calling on the government to change the legislation. Guest: Ken Middleton, Former RFSA President Producer: Brooke Young A NSW Government spokesperson said: "Changes made by the former Government to the Workers Compensation system have created inconsistencies in the support for volunteer firefighters. "The Minister for Work Health and Safety and Minister for Emergency Services are working with the NSW Rural Fire Service and Rural Fire Service Association to address the disparity in impairment payments, in line with an election commitment made to the RFSA. "Whilst this work is underway there are existing mechanisms available to volunteer firefighters experiencing impairment including the RFS Benevolent Fund and a Memorandum of Understanding between the RFS and RFSA."