Massive support for firefighter petition
A national petition calling for more ACC support for volunteer firefighters has more than 14,000 signatures in the first 48 hours.
Launched by Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade secretary Katherine Lamont, the petition is inspired by the plight of Kingston volunteer firefighter Peter Ottley, who is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), triggered by an horrific fatal accident he attended in December.
That's left him unable to work his regular job, but his ACC claim was rejected as the insurer only covers psychological trauma from paid-work related incidents.
Lamont says her petition is asking for a change in legislation to give NZ's 12,000 volunteer firefighters the same coverage and benefits as full-time firefighters.
"We consider ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of our valuable firefighting volunteers must be a top priority at government level," she says.
"There is a massive gap in the system which needs addressing immediately.”
The need for more support for vollies has been brought into sharp focus in recently, with six fatalities on Central Otago roads within the past five weeks. All were attended by firefighters, who are first responders to a wide range of tragic incidents, including road crashes, medical call outs and suicides.
Ottley says he's still struggling to come to terms with what he's seen over his 12 years as a volunteer firefighter, but is delighted to see the traction the petition has already gained.
"It's unbelievable what Katherine has done with this and hopefully it pushes the government to change these rules," Ottley says.
"At the end of the day, it's not about fixing this for me, it's for everyone else, the other volunteers who might be in the same position one day.
"The brigades are making submissions as well, so it has momentum, and they can't ignore it all."
As well as the brigades, the campaign has the backing if the United Fire Brigades' Association of NZ and the Green Party.
“No one who risks their life for their community should suffer without support," Green Party ACC spokesperson Benjamin Doyle says.
"A fair system would value every firefighter, paid or unpaid. By amending ACC legislation, we can take a step towards a system that stands by those who stand up for us."
The UFBA is also campaigning for cover for long-term illnesses for all firefighters resulting from prolonged exposure to hazardous environments - including cancer, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal issues.
"No one should be falling through the cracks–let alone those who put their health and wellbeing on the line to keep us safe," Doyle adds.
Ottley hopes the new ACC Minister Scott Simpson, who replaces Andrew Bayly, will provide a fresh pair of eyes,
Lamont also established a Givealittle page for Ottley personally, which has raised nearly $9000 from 81 donors.
"I just can't believe the support I've had," Ottley says, "and I'd like to thank everyone, Catherine especially, all the people who've donated and everyone who has rang me.
'It's been amazing and I'd love to thank them all personally at some stage, and will when I'm through this."
