In an earlier post (Fire fighters and paramedics exempted from workers compensation changes) I noted that there had been changes to Workers Compensation laws in NSW.  The changes were meant to limit compensation benefits.  Originally the changes would have applied to everyone other than volunteers whose entitlement to compensation was determined by the Workers Compensation (Bush Fire, Emergency And Rescue Services) Act 1987 (NSW).  As a result of political pressure, and whilst the Bill was making its way through Parliament it was amended to exclude police officers, and later paramedics and fire fighters from the changes.

The Australian Workers Union on behalf of its members, sought advice from the Office of Environment and Heritage that it would regard those employees who were engaged in fire fighting, including hazard mitigation duties, as ‘fire fighters’ for the purpose of the changes and so they would be covered by the older…