Crisafulli Government saves extended workers’ comp for Queensland firies 

• The Crisafulli Government is delivering $15.7 million to support access for paid and volunteer firefighters to workers’ compensation.
• Labor promised cover for Queensland firefighters but failed to provide the funding to cover the associated costs.
• This increase in funding reverses a decade of Labor neglect for frontline firies. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering the most comprehensive workers’ compensation for firefighters in Australia with an additional $15.7 million funding boost in this year’s Budget. 

Funding will be extended under the Presumptive Legislation Workers’ Compensation Scheme, which was legislated under the previous Parliament but not funded under Labor. 

Under the Crisafulli Government’s Budget uplift, paid and volunteer firefighters will have access to compensation for 23 types of cancer listed in the legislation, including mesothelioma, brain cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, and thyroid cancer. 

Women’s reproductive cancers will also be covered under the scheme, as more women choose careers in firefighting. 

The $15.7 million in funding allocated by the Crisafulli Government in 2025-26, will form part of additional funding of $73.6 million over five years from 2024-25.

Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the Presumptive Legislation Workers’ Compensation Scheme provided critical financial support to both paid and volunteer firefighters when they needed it most. 

“This is a significant expansion of the Presumptive Legislation Workers’ Compensation scheme, which Labor promised, but failed to fund,” Minister Leahy said. 

“We recognise the crucial role firefighters play in our communities and the Crisafulli Government has their back. 

“Queensland now has the most comprehensive workers compensation for firefighters in Australia and this additional funding will ensure firefighters receive the support they need for a wide range of illnesses.”  

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Haddan 0437 334 769