- Published:
- Thursday 5 December 2024
The Allan Labor Government is providing more support for Victorian workers and families impacted by work-related cancers.
Women who develop cancer because of their work deserve access to compensation and support, which is why the Labor Government has declared primary site uterine, cervical and ovarian cancers as eligible progressive diseases under the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act.
These changes will mean women who develop these cancers receive the same consideration as those suffering other cancers which can develop through long-term contact with carcinogens through their work – particularly firefighters.
Affected workers will no longer need to wait until their injury has stabilised for 12 months before claiming lump sum payments, while workers who have already received compensation will be entitled to additional benefits where their condition continues to deteriorate.
Family members of those affected will also have extended eligibility to access medical practitioners, psychologists and social workers who can support them through grief and loss.
Changes to compensation arrangements for a range of progressive diseases were first introduced into the WorkCover scheme in 2022 to recognise work-related conditions that are serious, potentially life-threatening, and extremely likely to cause ongoing deterioration of a person’s health.
Primary site uterine, cervical and ovarian cancers were also recently added to Victoria’s presumptive rights framework, which allows career and volunteer firefighters diagnosed with prescribed diseases to apply for compensation without having to prove firefighting was the cause.
For more information, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/eligible-progressive-diseases.
Quotes attributable to Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Danny Pearson
“Uterine, cervical and ovarian cancers – like many other illnesses related to work – can have a debilitating impact on workers and their families, and it’s critical we extend compensation and support.”
“Removing barriers like requirements to prove a cancer has stabilised will mean quicker and easier access to lump sum payments and other tailored support for workers and their families.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
“Women in our emergency services risk their lives to keep us safe – making these important changes will ensure they can access help when they need it.”