The NSW firefighters' union has called on the state government to adopt a reverse onus of proof for firefighters who develop cancer.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8302565/union-calls-on-nsw-to-help-firies#

The move comes ahead of a Commonwealth report expected to call for similar changes, which would mean that any cancer contracted by firefighters is automatically presumed to be work-related.

Currently, firefighters have to prove their illness was caused by a specific fire.

A federal parliamentary committee is due to hand down its report on a reverse onus of proof for firefighters later on Thursday, after holding nationwide hearings to examine a Greens bill calling for the reform.

The proposed legislation would presume any cancer contracted by Commonwealth-employed firefighters was caused by general exposure to burning plastics, chemicals and other toxins.

Under the workers' compensation system firefighters have to prove which fire caused the cancer.

The parliamentary committee is expected to support reversing the onus of proof for Commonwealth firefighters and the NSW Fire Brigade Employees Unions wants the NSW government to follow suit.

"Firefighters are regularly called on to run into burning buildings where they can be exposed to any number of carcinogenic chemicals," union state president Darin Sullivan, said in a statement.

"Given that we regularly put our lives on the line, it's reasonable to expect our members get the best possible protection if they subsequently develop cancer.

"I call on NSW politicians of all persuasions to recognise the inherent risk fire fighters take to protect the public.

"If the Commonwealth can recognise this risk, so too can the state."