Changes to make it easier for employees with cancer to access lump sum payments
The Victorian government is expanding its support for workers impacted by work-related cancers to include those suffering from uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancers.
Under new changes to the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, these cancers will now be recognised as eligible progressive diseases, providing affected women with the same compensation and support as those diagnosed with other work-related cancers.
The change will allow workers to access compensation more quickly, without the previous requirement that their condition be stabilised for 12 months before receiving lump sum payments. Additionally, workers who have already received compensation will be entitled to further benefits if their condition worsens.
"Removing barriers like requirements to prove a cancer has stabilised will mean quicker and easier access to lump sum payments and other tailored support for workers and their families," said Danny Pearson, Minister for WorkSafe, in a statement.
The expansion of compensation rights follows similar changes introduced in 2022, which included a wider range of progressive diseases under the WorkCover scheme. These diseases are considered serious, life-threatening, and likely to cause ongoing deterioration in health.
The new framework also adds primary site uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancers to the state's presumptive rights framework. This allows career and volunteer firefighters diagnosed with these diseases to apply for compensation without needing to prove firefighting was the cause.
"Women in our emergency services risk their lives to keep us safe – making these important changes will ensure they can access help when they need it," said Jaclyn Symes, Minister for Emergency Services, in a statement.
In addition to direct support for affected workers, family members will also benefit from expanded eligibility. They will have access to a range of support services, including medical practitioners, psychologists, and social workers, to assist them through the grief and loss associated with work-related cancer diagnoses.
