Firefighters ACC petition reaches 30,000

A parliament petition to change the ACC legislation for volunteer firefighters has reached nearly 30,000 signatures.

The petition to Parliament which was launched by Katherine Lamont from the Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade, said 12-thousand volunteer firefighters were excluded from certain ACC benefits because they were classified as non-employees.

The petition is calling for volunteer firefighters to get the same ACC coverage and benefits as their paid colleagues.

The United Fire Brigades Association has also voiced its support for the petition.

"We are proudly supporting our members' initiative, as it has strong alignment with the UFBA's Strategic Priority on our Fairness and Equity Campaign to get volunteer firefighters more coverage under ACC.

"As a collective voice, we must be heard. It is important that this petition is led and supported by our members, so it is not just the UFBA as an organisation calling for change - it is the 12,000 individuals and their families who deserve better support."

United Fire Brigades Association Board Chair Peter Dunne said the response to the petition had been extraordinary.

"We're absolutely delighted."

Dunne hoped the weight of public opinion would sway the government and bring about change.

Dunne said 86 percent of firefighters were volunteers, and it was only fair they be treated equally.

The petition remains open for signatures until 30 April.