The Labour Party backs volunteer firefighters who are currently not covered by ACC for workplace disease and mental injury and is drafting policy to put this right when the party wins the election in 2026.

“Volunteer firefighters make up 86 percent of the Fire and Emergency frontline workforce, however they are not eligible for the same ACC coverage as paid firefighters as the law currently stands. This needs to change,” Labour ACC spokesperson Camilla Belich said.

“We cannot have majority of our firefighters, who put their lives on the line to save others, with inadequate support.

“Just as their paid counterparts, volunteer firefighters are exposed to many traumatic incidents, which can result in mental illnesses such as PTSD. Their work also exposes them to a range of gradual workplace illnesses.

“I accepted a petition today signed by more than 35,000 people who share the view that legislation should be changed to allow for volunteer firefighters to access ACC.

“People who put their lives at risk for others should have support if they are injured or ill as a result of their service,” Camilla Belich said.

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