Local volunteer fire brigades call for fair ACC support

Local volunteer fire brigades are calling on the local Southern Lakes community to stand in support of a crucial petition advocating for changes to ACC legislation.

The petition, launched by volunteer Fire Fighter Katherine Lamont from the Queenstown Fire Brigade and supported by the United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA), seeks to ensure that all firefighters, including volunteers, receive fair and equal ACC coverage for work-related injuries and illnesses.

Currently, New Zealand’s ACC system does not adequately recognise the risks and long-term health impacts faced by volunteer Firefighters (ACC currently classes volunteer fire fighting as a leisure activity), particularly regarding occupational diseases such as cancer. This petition urges the government to amend the legislation to provide better protections and entitlements for those who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.

“As volunteer Firefighters, we respond to emergencies 24/7, often putting our health and safety at risk,” said Tony Wellman, Chief Fire Officer of the Wānaka Fire Brigade. “We fully support this petition and encourage our community to sign and share it widely. Our Firefighters deserve the same protections as our paid colleagues.”

The Wānaka Fire Brigade urges all residents to sign the petition and help spread the word. Community support is vital in ensuring that all firefighters receive the fair recognition and support they deserve.

To sign the petition and learn more about the proposed changes, visit: https://petitions.parliament.nz/5872f736-ed2f-443c-f919-08dd5b668762