The State government seems to have backed down on their insistence that local Councils fund expanded benefits to the state’s firemen. Firemen are to be automatically guaranteed workers compensation for a range of ailments without the need to prove these were job related.

In the past the bulk of the cost for running our emergency services was raised as part of our home insurance policies. Since not everyone takes out home insurance the government decided that the cost would be transferred to local Councils, coming from the rates. However, the government still insists that Council rates would be capped.

Naturally, Councils objected, citing that they would need to cut other services.

In an apparent back-flip, the state government will cover the cost of the new benefits for the next year.

It is still open as to how the benefits will be funded in subsequent years.

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