Firefighters want better safeguards when facing the dangers posed by the country's fastest-growing source of renewable energy. The Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authority Council is researching the potential dangers.
This means that the Fair Protection for Firefighters Act is now in force and Aviation and ACT firefighters are now able to access workers compensation entitlements through presumptive legislation for occupational cancer.
A volunteer fire fighter has told how he and his crew were forced to flee when their tanker went up in flames. Government budget cuts and penny pinching stand accused.
Firefighters are threatening to close the CFA training facility at Fiskville, west of Melbourne, unless there is an independent inquiry into a suspected cancer cluster there. The United Firefighters Union has asked the coroner to conduct an investigation.
The Union wants the State Coroner to investigate the use of toxic chemicals at Fiskville. The Coroner has the power to investigate any fire or reportable death says UFUA National and Victorian Secretary, Peter Marshall.
The UFU says there is no way to deny firefighters had been exposed to cancer-causing chemicals at the Fiskville CFA training centre. Despite this, the Victorian premier reacts to revelations of a cancer cluster at Fiskville by ordering an inquiry.
In Victoria, firefighters, nurses, teachers, child protection and disability workers, paramedics, scientists and hundreds of other professions tackle government cuts.
UFUA National Bulletin: The Fair Protection For Firefighters Bill was passed in the Senate yesterday. Australia now has presumptive legislation for occupational cancer for firefighters.
Firefighters who develop cancer will be able to access workers compensation more easily, under new laws passed in the Senate. The Fair Protection for Firefighters bill gained rare tripartite support in the Senate today .... News Ltd story.
The UK firefighter's Union, the FBU, slams a £30 million boost to the London Met police budget when the government is demanding £65 million cuts to the city's Fire Service.
The federal Fair Protection for Firefighters legislation will now cover additional cancers, including multiple myeloma, primary site prostate, ureter, colorectal and oesophageal cancer.
Fire services chief Wayne Gregson says he was gobsmacked at inadequacies in the WA Fire and Emergency Services Authority and has flagged big changes, including more training for firefighters.
The UFUA's National Secretary Peter Marshall said the risk posed by solar panels had been a growing concern in recent years. Now, AFAC has launched an investigation into the alternative energy source's safety.
The Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill, which will ensure firefighters with occupational cancer get access to medical assistance and compensation, passes unopposed in federal parliament's House of Representatives.
The UFUA is sending a delegation of firefighters from around Australia to witness federal politicians vote on the Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill next week.
In response to the thousands of letters sent to politicians through the protectyourfirefighters.com website, opposition Coalition politicians have said they will not be opposing the Bill.
Australian Unions have launched a major campaign for secure jobs and a better future for Australian workers. NSW retained firefighter Marina Findeis helped the ACTU launch this critical mobilisation for job security and workplace rights.
With only two weeks to go, every UFU Member is urged to go to the new UFUA Firefighter Protection Bill campaign website, register support for the bill and contact your local MP. Time is tight, so act now!
The Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Committee Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Fair Protection for Firefighters) Bill 2011. Read the Senate Inquiry report.
The Senate Standing Committee which has been investigating the Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill has released its report and recommends presumptive legislation be passed to compensate Firefighters with occupational cancer and to extend the coverage to 14 cancers.
In WA, an Assistant Police Commissioner has been appointed head of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority with a 12 month contract. Also, New York 9/11 remembered in this week's firefighter news links.
The UFUA has campaigned for many years to have cancers recognised as occupational diseases for firefighters. Legislation to achieve this goal is now in Federal Parliament.
Senators try hot fire training in Brisbane, then travel to Perth for the final hearing and learn about firies’ and their families' experiences with cancer.
The Senate Inquiry into the Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill continued this week with the ACT Government and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations making submissions.
As part of the investigation into the Senate 'Fair Protection for Firefighters' Bill, members of the Senate Standing Committee visit the Melbourne Airport Fire Station at Tullamarine.
The UFUA bid to have cancers recognised as occupational diseases for firefighters is a step closer with the Senate Standing Inquiry into the 'Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill' commencing its work.
A Senate Standing Committee will examine evidence and arguments to recognise leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, brain, bladder, kidney, testicular and breast cancers as occupation diseases for firefighters.
A bill to recognise firefighter cancers as occupation diseases was introduced in federal parliament yesterday. Today, the Senate voted to hold an inquiry into the legislation.
Following the Queensland floods, the UFU has established a dedicated welfare fund for our UFU Qld Members. Donations will go into the fund and be paid directly out to Members experiencing financial hardship.
A total fire ban is declared in the Top End after a Darwin outskirts outbreak, 9/11 firefighter sacrifice is remembered around the world and in the UK, the Essex firefighter dispute is back on after Fire Chiefs back away from an agreement.
Melbourne firefighter Paul Ritchie, organised the event to remember firefighters killed on duty, especially his brothers in New York. Also, the Victorian government unveils its full response to the Black Saturday Royal Commission final report.
In NSW, some firefighters face management imposed community safety activities quotas. In the USA, a study finds that if one extra firefighter is assigned to each engine, the effectiveness of firefighters increase by more than 50%.
In Queensland, the UFU is reviewing personal protective equipment (PPE) firefighters wear in hostile environments, while In Victoria, the final report of the Bushfires Royal Commission has been released.
The state government promises more firefighters for Victoria: 342 extra for the CFA and 100 more for the MFB. We applaud this announcement and look forward to working with the Brumby Government in implementing this initiative says the UFU.
Victoria's first fire supremo, former deputy CFA chief Craig Lapsley, was conceived in a fire station. In WA, the government blocks moves for an inquiry into its response to the Toodyay bushfire, while in the UK, a threat to dismiss all London firefighters triggers a ballot on industrial action.
As the global economic crisis puts pressure on emergency service workers, firefighter Unions forge closer international links. Check out the details in the International Fire Fighter Unions Alliance (IFFUA) newsletter.
Thirty four firefighters from Australia and the US begin their run across America to pay tribute to their fallen firefighter and law enforcement colleagues; a ‘Tour of Duty’ in remembrance of 9/11. Also, community anger in WA over the Toodyay fire report.
Aussie firefighters run across US in 9/11 tribute. Plus the Vic. Bushfire Royal Commission final report media roundup, and in the USA, researchers say one extra firefighter per engine could increase the effectiveness of California's firefighters by more than 50%.
In WA, FESA shuts fire stations or takes engines offline to avoid overtime payments. Also, a roundup of media reaction to the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission final report, while in Russia, President Medvedev declares a wildfires state of emergency.
ACT Chief Justice says appointment of acting judges to ease court backlogs will not help the marathon bushfires litigation. Also, a special sitting of Victoria's parliament to debate bushfire findings and in the UK, Merseyside motorbike firefighters must swap helmets.
A Senate committee calls for a royal commission into the home insulation program. Also, Victoria's Bushfires Royal Commission report to be released Saturday week and in the UK, the Union secures a ground breaking win for a sacked firefighter.
The NSW Opposition says a far south coast council should not have to help pay for new fire brigade officers at Batemans Bay. Also, in the UK London's Fire Brigade Commissioner targets 6,000 firefighters with a blog post sack threat .
A surprise turnover at the top and the stage is now set for a federal election that will again focus on the work place. Prime Minister Gillard has said industrial relations will be a battleground.
A digital upgrade for Victoria's fire services; UFU Secretary Peter Marshall says the move is long overdue and addresses an important concern raised at the Bushfires Royal Commission. Also, 10 more fires linked to insulation scheme.
In this edition, One fire service, more firefighters - Victorian firefighters campaign to defend rosters and crewing that maintain on-the-job safety and protect the community. Also, buy local and presumptive explained.
In Western Australia, residents in Toodyay say they are close to litigation over the bushfire that destroyed 38 homes, six months ago. Also, in the USA, cardiac arrest was the No. 1 workplace killer of firefighters last year.
As the impact of the global financial crisis and its aftermath continue to bite, closures of fire stations across the United States are becoming common place. And now the trend is spreading to the debt ridden UK.
This comprehensive review of the UFUA was undertaken by an independent consultant in 2008 to best position the National Union into the future. It examines the direction, structure and role of the National Union. Download a copy (pdf file).
The Annual Survey of Trade Union Rights documents a dramatic increase in the number of trade unionists murdered around the world during 2009. At 101 deaths, this is an increase of 30% across 12 months.
WA firefighters are going to jobs under-prepared, with accidents and danger reports falling on deaf ears. Also, NZ firefighters targeted over truck parking action to highlight exhaust fumes concerns.
Firefighters are at risk of asbestos exposure because of its frequent use in older structures and its ability to linger in the air even after a fire has been extinguished.
A leak to a newspaper previews a scathing analysis of bushfire policy to be delivered to Victoria's Bushfires Royal Commission in its last week of hearings. And in WA, the Defence Department admits training flares caused Karratha fire.
Lawyers for the Black Saturday inquiry urge the Royal Commissioners to recommend Victorian fire agencies overhaul their approach to firefighter safety. And the 'stay or go' policy goes under the RC microscope.
The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission orders firefighters to move into Perth's new Wellington Street fire station despite unresolved OHS and public safety issues.
The United Firefighters Union wants all Victoria's fire services merged into one with an across-the-board move to career firefighters. RMIT expert says this approach would also reduce duplication and difficulties associated with different equipment, uniforms and communications.
Firefighters are at risk of asbestos exposure because of its frequent use in older structures and its ability to linger in the air even after a fire has been extinguished.
The UFU Queensland Branch pursues WorkCover over its rejection of an injured firefighter's claim. Also, the Canberra bushfires' case likely to continue next year, and Vic CFA chief's departure is a chance to move forward says the Union.
The UFUA National Committee of Management (NCOM) plots a new strategy for the national Union and will, as a priority, pursue presumptive protection for firefighters contracting work-related cancers.
In this edition, Climate change firefighter challenge, Truss Risk, Tour of Duty and Carbon Sink. The regulars are all there too, including Sir Murray Rivers, Charles Livingstone, Chef Mannix and Mick O'Regan,
1,500 Firefighters rally in Melbourne calling for a merger of Victoria's firefighting services. "This is not a union issue, this is a community safety issue,'' says UFUA National Secretary Peter Marshall. Members also delivered the Union's submission to the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.
In Victoria, The CFA is stretched to the limit and now the MFB now wants to scrap the mandatory minimum number of firefighters on duty. Fire fighters say backing away from the international response standard of 7.7 minutes will cost lives and increase property damage.
In this edition, NCOM targets government recognition of firefighter work-related cancers as a top priority. Also, the Queensland Branch sets up a Personal Exposure Reporting database.
The UFU in Victoria has a win over attempts to privatise training after the MFB backs off from an EO bypass action and an outsourced training proposal. Also, Bushfires Royal Commissioners question a positive assessment of the CFA's new community education campaign.
120 house fires have now been now linked to the Federal Government's home insulation scheme says the Environment Department. A Senate committee is investigating the scheme, which was closed down following four installer deaths.
Firefighter cancer - fact or fiction? The U.S.Firefighter Cancer Support Network comments. Plus, weighty issue, a deal reached in the long-running South Yorkshire (UK) fire dispute, the importance of HAZMAT training, and other firefighter story links from across the globe.
Catch up on media reports of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission's sessions as it moves through regional Victoria taking evidence and hearing testimony.
In WA, the state's Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been told that firefighters face being trapped in their vehicles if heat from a fire causes damage to truck brake lines.
Thinner, lighter and more flexible. In the USA, a firefighter has come up with a new air pack design. Randy Griffin is working with the US Department of Homeland Security to develop the apparatus.
Firefighters want better safeguards when facing the dangers posed by the country's fastest-growing source of renewable energy. The Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authority Council is researching the potential dangers.
This means that the Fair Protection for Firefighters Act is now in force and Aviation and ACT firefighters are now able to access workers compensation entitlements through presumptive legislation for occupational cancer.
A volunteer fire fighter has told how he and his crew were forced to flee when their tanker went up in flames. Government budget cuts and penny pinching stand accused.
Firefighters are threatening to close the CFA training facility at Fiskville, west of Melbourne, unless there is an independent inquiry into a suspected cancer cluster there. The United Firefighters Union has asked the coroner to conduct an investigation.
The Union wants the State Coroner to investigate the use of toxic chemicals at Fiskville. The Coroner has the power to investigate any fire or reportable death says UFUA National and Victorian Secretary, Peter Marshall.
The UFU says there is no way to deny firefighters had been exposed to cancer-causing chemicals at the Fiskville CFA training centre. Despite this, the Victorian premier reacts to revelations of a cancer cluster at Fiskville by ordering an inquiry.
In Victoria, firefighters, nurses, teachers, child protection and disability workers, paramedics, scientists and hundreds of other professions tackle government cuts.
Firefighters who develop cancer will be able to access workers compensation more easily, under new laws passed in the Senate. The Fair Protection for Firefighters bill gained rare tripartite support in the Senate today .... News Ltd story.
The UK firefighter's Union, the FBU, slams a £30 million boost to the London Met police budget when the government is demanding £65 million cuts to the city's Fire Service.
In Queensland, the Union goes to the state's Industrial Relations Commission to assist a Member with epilepsy.
The federal Fair Protection for Firefighters legislation will now cover additional cancers, including multiple myeloma, primary site prostate, ureter, colorectal and oesophageal cancer.
Fire services chief Wayne Gregson says he was gobsmacked at inadequacies in the WA Fire and Emergency Services Authority and has flagged big changes, including more training for firefighters.
The UFUA's National Secretary Peter Marshall said the risk posed by solar panels had been a growing concern in recent years. Now, AFAC has launched an investigation into the alternative energy source's safety.
The Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill, which will ensure firefighters with occupational cancer get access to medical assistance and compensation, passes unopposed in federal parliament's House of Representatives.
The UFUA is sending a delegation of firefighters from around Australia to witness federal politicians vote on the Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill next week.
In response to the thousands of letters sent to politicians through the protectyourfirefighters.com website, opposition Coalition politicians have said they will not be opposing the Bill.
Australian Unions have launched a major campaign for secure jobs and a better future for Australian workers. NSW retained firefighter Marina Findeis helped the ACTU launch this critical mobilisation for job security and workplace rights.
In WA, an Assistant Police Commissioner has been appointed head of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority with a 12 month contract. Also, New York 9/11 remembered in this week's firefighter news links.
The UFUA has campaigned for many years to have cancers recognised as occupational diseases for firefighters. Legislation to achieve this goal is now in Federal Parliament.
Members of the Senate Committee inquiring into the Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill walked through a smoke filled building in Brisbane yesterday.
Two Firefighter Fair Protection Bill Inquiry Senators visit Geelong Fire Station and get an overview of the hazardous nature of firefighters'work.
As part of the investigation into the Senate 'Fair Protection for Firefighters' Bill, members of the Senate Standing Committee visit the Melbourne Airport Fire Station at Tullamarine.
The UFUA bid to have cancers recognised as occupational diseases for firefighters is a step closer with the Senate Standing Inquiry into the 'Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill' commencing its work.
A Senate Standing Committee will examine evidence and arguments to recognise leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, brain, bladder, kidney, testicular and breast cancers as occupation diseases for firefighters.
A bill to recognise firefighter cancers as occupation diseases was introduced in federal parliament yesterday. Today, the Senate voted to hold an inquiry into the legislation.
Information re the 20th NCOM.
Contact Numbers for Flood relief
RE:Floods - Aid And Support For Our UFU Members In Queensland
Following the Queensland floods, the UFU has established a dedicated welfare fund for our UFU Qld Members. Donations will go into the fund and be paid directly out to Members experiencing financial hardship.
A total fire ban is declared in the Top End after a Darwin outskirts outbreak, 9/11 firefighter sacrifice is remembered around the world and in the UK, the Essex firefighter dispute is back on after Fire Chiefs back away from an agreement.
Melbourne firefighter Paul Ritchie, organised the event to remember firefighters killed on duty, especially his brothers in New York. Also, the Victorian government unveils its full response to the Black Saturday Royal Commission final report.
In NSW, some firefighters face management imposed community safety activities quotas. In the USA, a study finds that if one extra firefighter is assigned to each engine, the effectiveness of firefighters increase by more than 50%.
In Queensland, the UFU is reviewing personal protective equipment (PPE) firefighters wear in hostile environments, while In Victoria, the final report of the Bushfires Royal Commission has been released.
The state government promises more firefighters for Victoria: 342 extra for the CFA and 100 more for the MFB. We applaud this announcement and look forward to working with the Brumby Government in implementing this initiative says the UFU.
Victoria's first fire supremo, former deputy CFA chief Craig Lapsley, was conceived in a fire station. In WA, the government blocks moves for an inquiry into its response to the Toodyay bushfire, while in the UK, a threat to dismiss all London firefighters triggers a ballot on industrial action.
As the global economic crisis puts pressure on emergency service workers, firefighter Unions forge closer international links. Check out the details in the International Fire Fighter Unions Alliance (IFFUA) newsletter.
Thirty four firefighters from Australia and the US begin their run across America to pay tribute to their fallen firefighter and law enforcement colleagues; a ‘Tour of Duty’ in remembrance of 9/11. Also, community anger in WA over the Toodyay fire report.
Aussie firefighters run across US in 9/11 tribute. Plus the Vic. Bushfire Royal Commission final report media roundup, and in the USA, researchers say one extra firefighter per engine could increase the effectiveness of California's firefighters by more than 50%.
In WA, FESA shuts fire stations or takes engines offline to avoid overtime payments. Also, a roundup of media reaction to the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission final report, while in Russia, President Medvedev declares a wildfires state of emergency.
ACT Chief Justice says appointment of acting judges to ease court backlogs will not help the marathon bushfires litigation. Also, a special sitting of Victoria's parliament to debate bushfire findings and in the UK, Merseyside motorbike firefighters must swap helmets.
A Senate committee calls for a royal commission into the home insulation program. Also, Victoria's Bushfires Royal Commission report to be released Saturday week and in the UK, the Union secures a ground breaking win for a sacked firefighter.
The NSW Opposition says a far south coast council should not have to help pay for new fire brigade officers at Batemans Bay. Also, in the UK London's Fire Brigade Commissioner targets 6,000 firefighters with a blog post sack threat .
A surprise turnover at the top and the stage is now set for a federal election that will again focus on the work place. Prime Minister Gillard has said industrial relations will be a battleground.
A digital upgrade for Victoria's fire services; UFU Secretary Peter Marshall says the move is long overdue and addresses an important concern raised at the Bushfires Royal Commission. Also, 10 more fires linked to insulation scheme.
In this edition, One fire service, more firefighters - Victorian firefighters campaign to defend rosters and crewing that maintain on-the-job safety and protect the community. Also, buy local and presumptive explained.
In Western Australia, residents in Toodyay say they are close to litigation over the bushfire that destroyed 38 homes, six months ago. Also, in the USA, cardiac arrest was the No. 1 workplace killer of firefighters last year.
Get back to work! Flaws in WorkCover revealed as a severely injured Victorian firefighter is told to return to work.
As the impact of the global financial crisis and its aftermath continue to bite, closures of fire stations across the United States are becoming common place. And now the trend is spreading to the debt ridden UK.
This comprehensive review of the UFUA was undertaken by an independent consultant in 2008 to best position the National Union into the future. It examines the direction, structure and role of the National Union. 
The Annual Survey of Trade Union Rights documents a dramatic increase in the number of trade unionists murdered around the world during 2009. At 101 deaths, this is an increase of 30% across 12 months.
WA firefighters are going to jobs under-prepared, with accidents and danger reports falling on deaf ears. Also, NZ firefighters targeted over truck parking action to highlight exhaust fumes concerns.
Firefighters are at risk of asbestos exposure because of its frequent use in older structures and its ability to linger in the air even after a fire has been extinguished.
A leak to a newspaper previews a scathing analysis of bushfire policy to be delivered to Victoria's Bushfires Royal Commission in its last week of hearings. And in WA, the Defence Department admits training flares caused Karratha fire.
Lawyers for the Black Saturday inquiry urge the Royal Commissioners to recommend Victorian fire agencies overhaul their approach to firefighter safety. And the 'stay or go' policy goes under the RC microscope.
The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission orders firefighters to move into Perth's new Wellington Street fire station despite unresolved OHS and public safety issues.
The United Firefighters Union wants all Victoria's fire services merged into one with an across-the-board move to career firefighters. RMIT expert says this approach would also reduce duplication and difficulties associated with different equipment, uniforms and communications.
The UFU Queensland Branch pursues WorkCover over its rejection of an injured firefighter's claim. Also, the Canberra bushfires' case likely to continue next year, and Vic CFA chief's departure is a chance to move forward says the Union.
The UFUA National Committee of Management (NCOM) plots a new strategy for the national Union and will, as a priority, pursue presumptive protection for firefighters contracting work-related cancers.
In this edition, Climate change firefighter challenge, Truss Risk, Tour of Duty and Carbon Sink. The regulars are all there too, including Sir Murray Rivers, Charles Livingstone, Chef Mannix and Mick O'Regan,
In Victoria, The CFA is stretched to the limit and now the MFB now wants to scrap the mandatory minimum number of firefighters on duty. Fire fighters say backing away from the international response standard of 7.7 minutes will cost lives and increase property damage.
In this edition, NCOM targets government recognition of firefighter work-related cancers as a top priority. Also, the Queensland Branch sets up a Personal Exposure Reporting database.
The UFU in Victoria has a win over attempts to privatise training after the MFB backs off from an EO bypass action and an outsourced training proposal. Also, Bushfires Royal Commissioners question a positive assessment of the CFA's new community education campaign.
Firefighter cancer - fact or fiction? The U.S.Firefighter Cancer Support Network comments. Plus, weighty issue, a deal reached in the long-running South Yorkshire (UK) fire dispute, the importance of HAZMAT training, and other firefighter story links from across the globe.
Catch up on media reports of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission's sessions as it moves through regional Victoria taking evidence and hearing testimony.
In WA, the state's Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been told that firefighters face being trapped in their vehicles if heat from a fire causes damage to truck brake lines.
Thinner, lighter and more flexible. In the USA, a firefighter has come up with a new air pack design. Randy Griffin is working with the US Department of Homeland Security to develop the apparatus.
