Bulletin No: 014 Volume: 21 Wednesday 21 January 2015
To ALL UFU Members
MONASH FISKVILLE CANCER REPORT RELEASED TODAY
Members are advised that the Monash Fiskville Cancer Report will be released this morning. The study conducted by Monash University examined the cancer incidence at the Fiskville site between 1971 and 1999. The report has found that there are higher than expected rates of skin, testicular and brain cancer. Around 600 people worked and trained on the fire ground and a total of 69 cancers were discovered that resulted in 16 deaths.
The UFU has been consistent in expressing concerns over the CFA’s handling of the serious health and safety concerns around the Fiskville site and we will be holding a membership meeting at Fiskville shortly to discuss members’ concerns. Further details will be provided in a later bulletin.
There has been consistent denials by Mick Bourke, the CFA Board and the previous government in relation to the problems that have now been exposed at Fiskville. Clearly their position is untenable. Both Mick Bourke and the CFA Board should do the right thing and resign, as should those that were also in charge of Fiskville during those periods where the unsafe material was used and covered up.
The Parliamentary Inquiry into Fiskville will also include this Monash report in its considerations and an interim report from the Inquiry is due at the end of June this year. We strongly believe that there has cover up in this matter. We look forward to the Parliamentary inquiry to make those responsible accountable for the damage that has been done to the health of members as well as the excruciating anxiety and stress that this has caused.
We remind our members that should they wish to seek support a specific CFA Counselling Service available to CFA employees on 1300 795 711. MFB Members can contact MFB Peer Support Coordinator Sandra Hearn 0407 852 396 or contact the UFU office for further referrals to counselling services.
The UFU will keep members informed as the matter develops. UFU Branch Secretary Peter Marshall can be contacted on 0419 127 004.
Strength in Unity
READ OUT AT MUSTER AND PIN ON NOTICE BOARD
Authorised by Peter Marshall, Branch Secretary