Atherton fire station

Joint statement by

The Honourable Neil Roberts MP

Minister for Emergency Services

Lee Johnson

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Commissioner

Mark Walker

United Firefighters Union – Queensland State Secretary

17 December 2007

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) has commenced an investigation into reports of five, possibly six, current and former officers at its Atherton station, in the State’s far north, being diagnosed with various forms of cancer in recent years.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts, QFRS Commissioner Lee Johnson and United Firefighters’ Union (UFU) State Secretary Mark Walker met with local staff at Atherton on Sunday (16 December) to explain its response, listen to their concerns and outline the support available.

Commissioner Johnson established an advisory group of QFRS, Queensland Health and union officials late last week immediately after QFRS was advised of a recent diagnosis. The advisory group met on Friday.

The investigation will not only focus on the Atherton fire station building, it will also focus on the health of current and former employees stationed there. The investigation will also look at whether these officers attended the same or similar incidents during the course of their duties.

As a result, the Director of Public Health, a senior medical officer and toxicologist will visit Atherton this week where they will inspect the premises and interview staff.

The QFRS station is staffed by 10 permanent firefighters and 18 auxiliary firefighters. The Atherton fire station building was opened in 1959.

QFRS has confirmed the Atherton fire station site is not on the contaminated land register.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said he and the Commissioner had personally reassured local staff that the investigation would be comprehensive and transparent.

“While there is no evidence at this stage to suggest there is a link to the fire station building, QFRS is examining alternative locations if needed,” Mr Roberts said.

Commissioner Johnson said the investigation was open and information would be readily available to station staff.

“We were informed last Wednesday of the series of incidences, and we made contact with Queensland Health who are working closely with us,” Commissioner Johnson said.

Commissioner Johnson said QFRS provided support for its staff and families through FireCare, which includes peer support and professional counselling for staff and their families.

United Firefighters’ Union State Secretary Mark Walker said the Union supports the actions currently undertaken by QFRS.

“The welfare of our members and their families is the utmost priority,” Mr Walker said.

“We will work together with all concerned to ensure the best outcome for those involved.”

**Media are asked to respect the privacy of the QFRS staff involved and their families.

Media contacts:

·Kirby Anderson (Minister Roberts) 3247 8194 or 0418 197 350

·Kevin Loomes (QFRS) 3247 8789 or 0418 532 862

·Mark Walker (UFU – Queensland) 0414 814 432