Firefighters spend their careers running toward danger to protect our communities. But for many, years of exposure to smoke, chemicals, and carcinogens come at a devastating cost.
When firefighters are diagnosed with cancer, timely access to treatment, financial support and care can make all the difference.
That’s why EML established a dedicated Presumptive Cancer claims team, providing specialised workers compensation support and helping firefighters access treatment and essential services when they need them most.
The team’s responsiveness and compassion have earned praise from both stakeholders and injured workers, culminating in being named a finalist at this year’s PIEF Awards for Outstanding Contribution by a Team.
Removing barriers for firefighters – Presumptive cancer legislation
In 2018, the NSW Government introduced an amendment to the Workers Compensation Act 1987, making it easier for firefighters diagnosed with certain cancers to access workers compensation. Under the presumptive cancer legislation, if a firefighter develops one of the listed cancers after a qualifying period of service, the disease is considered work related.
A specialist team with a human focus
For over 20 years, EML has partnered with emergency services within the NSW Treasury Managed Fund Scheme to deliver claims management excellence and better outcomes for injured workers.
When the presumptive cancer legislation came into effect, EML recognised the need for a dedicated approach and established a specialist team focused on supporting firefighters diagnosed with cancer.
The Presumptive Cancer Claims team manages complex and sensitive claims, ensuring firefighters receive financial support, access to treatment and coordinated care without unnecessary delays. Their work goes beyond paperwork.
When we receive a claim, we know time is critical. Every day matters when someone is fighting an aggressive cancer diagnosis. We act with urgency to approve treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, or surgeries, so there are no delays.
High-touch, seamless care
The team’s approach is highly personalised and empathetic. Working closely with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), medical specialists and families, they help remove barriers to treatment and support. The team takes a person-centred approach, tailoring it to the firefighter’s needs. In partnership with FRNSW, we have developed a comprehensive Cancer in Care package which includes physical and occupational rehabilitation, psychological support, counselling, support in the home, and in some cases, accommodation near treatment facilities.
The team ensures workers are aware of their entitlements, which can include access to lump sum benefits through proactive whole person impairment assessments, ensuring financial security for impacted firefighters and their loved ones.
For Alisa, supporting people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives requires more than technical experience.
Meeting people where they’re at is everything. Sometimes it’s about helping someone walk their daughter down the aisle before they pass. Other times, it’s making sure a partner has emotional support.
Recognition for making a difference
Firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities. They deserve compassion, dignity, and quick action. Through NSW’s presumptive cancer legislation and the dedicated Presumptive Cancer Claims team at EML, firefighters receive the timely support they need.
I’m proud to see this team get the recognition they deserve for the work they do. These claims are challenging in so many ways, but the empathy, compassion and expertise they deliver to firefighters and their families, is exceptional.
The service we deliver is possible thanks to the broader support network we’ve built. We thank FRNSW and Prestige Health Services Australia for the attention and care they provide to firefighters.
This industry is work with purpose and this is illustrated through the work that this partnership delivers.
Read more about workers compensation for public sector workers here: Workers Compensation explained – NSW Public Sector
