BULLETIN
Bulletin No: 206 Volume: 20 Tuesday 9 September 2014
TO ALL UFU MEMBERS
THE AGE TODAY
EXPOSES
GRIM REALITY OF PTSD
FOR FIREFIGHTERS
Today The Age has published a compelling feature story exposing the reality of Post-Traumatic Stress and occupational cancer for firefighters.
The article can be viewed online via
The feature story includes video footage of firefighters speaking openly and frankly of the effect firefighting has had on their wellbeing and mental health in the situations and trauma they have to confront on a daily basis.
Due to the attempt by the Government and MFB to denigrate firefighters the standing of firefighters in the public eye, members are strongly encouraged to read this feature story and most importantly disseminate the article as wide as possible to inform the public of the grim reality of the risks to firefighters health and wellbeing in protecting the community.
As Members are aware, the Napthine Government has refused to recognise occupational cancer for firefighters and along with the MFB further enhanced the stressful nature of firefighting by making applications to abolish firefighters enterprise agreements resulting in the removal of certainty of conditions of employment.
Victorian firefighters will only get presumptive legislation to recognise occupational cancer with a change of Government.
The Labor Party and the Greens have promised to introduce presumptive legislation so that Victorian firefighters can access assistance and their entitlements for these occupational diseases.
The Labor Party has also pledged a two-year $200,000 trial of one-on-one specialist counselling for firefighters with PTSD.
Strength in Unity
READ OUT AT MUSTER AND PIN ON NOTICE BOARD
Authorised by Peter Marshall, Branch Secretary