Bill to extend ACC cover to volunteer firefighters drawn
by Russell Palmer Political reporter
A member's bill that would extend ACC cover to volunteer firefighters has been drawn from the biscuit tin.
The bill was lodged by Labour's Kieran McAnulty who - himself a volunteer firefighter for seven years before entering Parliament - says they face traumatic and dangerous working conditions.
"Firefighters put themselves on the line to protect New Zealanders. They deserve an ACC system that recognises the risks they take and supports them if they're injured or become ill as a result of their service," he said.
"They don't stop to ask whether they're protected before running into a burning building and Parliament shouldn't hesitate to ensure they're properly covered afterwards."
He said he would be surprised if anyone would oppose the legislation.
"I mean, we rely on volunteer firefighters. The number of volunteers eclipses the number of paid firefighters in this country, we'd be lost without them.
"It's a small thing that we can do to recognise their service by at least covering them if they get injured."
He said it was a "massive oversight that needs to be corrected".
"And I reckon when Kiwis hear that they're not covered, they'd be shocked."
The other Member's Bills drawn from the ballot on Thursday include the Building (Energy Efficient Office Buildings) Amendment Bill in the name of Rachel Brooking (Labour), which would require office buildings to meet energy performance standards; and the Crimes (Offence of Failing to Report Child Harm) Amendment Bill in the name of Andrew Bayly (National) which would criminalise the non-disclosure of child abuse with up to three years in prison.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/775974/bill-to-extend-acc-cover-to-volunteer-firefighters-drawn
