Cancer compensation expanded for NSW firefighters with retrospective claims permitted
The NSW Parliament has enacted legislation broadening cancer compensation access for firefighters, with provisions allowing those who had claims previously rejected to reapply NSW Government.
The Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment (Firefighters) Bill 2025 expands presumptive coverage to include ten additional cancer types NSW Government in the Workers Compensation Act 1987’s Schedule 4. Firefighters with these listed diseases are presumed entitled to compensation unless employers demonstrate the condition wasn’t work-related NSW Government.
The newly added cancers include pancreatic, thyroid, cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulval, and penile cancers (all requiring 10 years of service), plus lung and skin cancers (requiring 15 years of service).
A key amendment promoted by the Fire Brigade Employees Union enables the reforms to apply both to diseases diagnosed from August 6, 2025, and to earlier cases where compensation claims were denied NSW Government. This means firefighters or their families can resubmit claims with presumptive status if they were previously rejected on grounds that the disease wasn’t work-related.
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib noted that these changes reduce stress for affected firefighters, allowing them to concentrate on health and family during difficult times.
SafeWork NSW eliminates outdated synthetic mineral fibres safety code
SafeWork NSW has withdrawn the 32-year-old Code of Practice addressing synthetic mineral fibre safety NSW Government.
This document was among 20 codes predating NSW’s adoption of the national model Work Health and Safety Act. Following a recent SafeWork NSW review to assess relevance and necessity, the synthetic mineral fibres code was determined to be redundant.
Previously, SafeWork NSW revoked the “Technical guidance” Code two months earlier, while the aging “Tunnels under construction” Code is being replaced by a comprehensive new document.
Updated tunnelling safety code emphasizes ventilation and silica controls
NSW is consulting on a new “Health and safety risk management of tunnels and shafts in construction” code of practice, with submissions accepted until November 28, 2025 NSW Government. The existing tunnels code hasn’t been updated since 2006.
Key proposed updates include managing silica hazards through engineering controls with emphasis on proper ventilation, and incorporating ventilation officers and certified occupational hygienists as recommended best practices for major tunnelling operations NSW GovernmentSafeWork NSW.
The draft also modernizes guidance on tunnel boring machines, reflecting the industry’s shift away from explosive-based excavation methods.
