BUT STILL MORE TO DO!
Many thanks to all UFU members and supporters who attended Parliament on 1 November to show your support for amendments moved by the Hon Frank Pangallo MLC to expand the number of cancers covered by presumptive workers compensation provisions for firefighters to 23.
We are pleased to report that the amendments moved by Mr Pangallo passed in the Legislative Council (Upper House of the SA Parliament).
We express our gratitude to Frank Pangallo, the SA Greens, Connie Bonaros MLC, Sarah Game MLC and the SA Liberal Party for all supporting the amended bill and demonstrating the broad support for firefighters across the political spectrum.
We acknowledge that the Malinauskas Government did not obstruct the passage of the amended bill in the Upper House after lacking the numbers to block the amendments. We note with concern though that the Attorney General Kyam Maher in his comments to the Parliament, did not commit to the Government supporting or passing the amended bill in the House of Assembly.
We have sought a meeting for months without success with the Premier, to discuss why firefighters in this state suffering diseases like lung, skin, thyroid, liver, pancreatic and penile cancers or asbestos related diseases and malignant mesothelioma should not receive support.
Finally last Friday afternoon we received an invitation to meet and today our delegation sat at the table with the Premier and the Attorney General to discuss the issues.
Discussion is ongoing so we can’t say too much about where we are up to but our delegation comprising Ben Whitlock, Andy Caire, Chris Barry, Neil Mangelsdorf, Kevin Fischer, Michael Clark and I are all passionate about ensuring our members get the support needed when you and your family need it; we won’t give up and we know you won’t either.
VAILO ADELAIDE 500
Thank you to the many members who have contacted us regarding your concerns about the firefighter staffing plan for this event over the next four days. And despite what some were told, our union was not consulted about the proposed change from previous years.
Glad to say that communication from the Chief Officer early this morning advises that in the interests of community safety he has determined that the MFS will revert to the usual method of deployment where the four appliances inside the track will be surplus to global manning.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Just a reminder that the Audited Financial Statements are posted for you to look at on our website – this link will take you straight there https://www.ufusa.com.au/ufusa-financial-statement/
AGM & XMAS LUNCH
Thursday 12 December at 1000 hours at the UFUSA Office 148 South Road, Torrensville
All members are urged to attend the AGM on Thursday 12 December at 1000 hours at the UFUSA Office 148 South Road, Torrensville (enter from Carlton Parade). Caterers have a special treat in store for us for the lunch this year but please you will definitely need to RSVP to info@ufusa.com.au by 9/12. Please do come along for a delicious lunch and a good chat about the campaign for your next wage increase.
In Solidarity
Max Adlam
