❓ A parliamentary question regarding presumptive cancer protections for firefighters, including expansion of the list, evidentiary burden reduction, and equal compensation for volunteer firefighters. The answer clarifies existing protections and insurance coverage.
AnsweredQoN 2068Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
With respect to presumptive cancer protections for firefighters:(a) Is the Government currently reviewing or considering expansion of the presumptive cancer list in light of emerging medical and epidemiological evidence;(b) What steps, if any, are being taken to reduce the evidentiary burden on volunteer firefighters diagnosed with cancers associated with occupational exposure; and(c) Will the Government ensure that volunteer firefighters have access to the same compensation entitlements and presumptive protections as career firefighters?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 May 2026
Responded by
Minister for Emergency Services
Response time
6 days
a) This matter falls within the responsibilities of the Minister for Industrial Relations.
b) For both career and volunteer firefighters, the introduction of presumptive cancer legislation was to reduce the evidentiary burden of scientifically linked cancers to the firefighting occupation.
c) The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) holds a comprehensive personal accident policy, including cancers that fall outside of the 20 presumptive cancers, for volunteers with the Insurance Commission of Western Australia. This insurance policy offers comparable coverage to that provided to employed DFES staff, including career firefighters, as required by the amendments to the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1998 . Local Government have a similar arrangement through the Local Government Insurance Scheme (LGIS) for Bush Fire Brigade volunteers.
b) For both career and volunteer firefighters, the introduction of presumptive cancer legislation was to reduce the evidentiary burden of scientifically linked cancers to the firefighting occupation.
c) The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) holds a comprehensive personal accident policy, including cancers that fall outside of the 20 presumptive cancers, for volunteers with the Insurance Commission of Western Australia. This insurance policy offers comparable coverage to that provided to employed DFES staff, including career firefighters, as required by the amendments to the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1998 . Local Government have a similar arrangement through the Local Government Insurance Scheme (LGIS) for Bush Fire Brigade volunteers.
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