Mark Bransgrove: NSW police must prove work caused cancer, unlike firefighters
Firefighters with 22 listed cancers are presumed work-related, but police officers must prove it.
Mark Bransgrove was a NSW Police detective sergeant who spent almost 20 years examining crime scenes, including fires. Bransgrove was diagnosed with stage four bladder cancer in early 2024 and died in July last year.
A report by occupational hygienist Alan Rogers found his cancer was likely a result of sustained exposure to cancer-causing fire residue. NSW law presumes that firefighters with any of 22 listed cancers got them from work.
Police officers at the same scenes get no such presumption and must prove their work caused it. For some families, the burden of proof is an obstacle they cannot overcome.
His wife, Elizabeth, is pushing the state government for changes known as Mark's Law. A NSW government spokesperson said it will keep monitoring the issue and is open to hearing from workers and unions.
Why it mattersEighteen months of treatment cost Mark and Elizabeth $130,000, and police officers must prove their job caused the illness.
AustraliaThe rules apply only in NSW, so any change would affect police and firefighters in that state.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
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