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Category: Diseases and Disorders / Cancer / Health Insurance / Insurance

Former firefighter still waiting for compensation despite TIO promise

Friday, 18 Mar 2016 16:11:44

Jock McLeod has led the campaign to get cancer compensation for firefighters. (ABC News)

A former Northern Territory firefighter is still waiting for the Territory Insurance Office to deliver on a promise to compensate him for bladder cancer almost four months on.

Jock McLeod was diagnosed with cancer after being exposed to toxic smoke through his work.

The Territory Insurance Office (TIO) reversed its decision to reject Mr McLeod's workers compensation claim for bladder cancer after a wave of public pressure.

A TIO general manager personally delivered the acceptance letter to Mr McLeod in December last year.

"To me that was promising me the world and handing me an atlas, because it hasn't happened," Mr McLeod said.

"As far as accepting it [the claim] that's one thing, but actioning it is another thing."

Mr McLeod said TIO had not given him a timeframe for when he would be paid, and directed him to an Adelaide-based consultant.

TIO was unavailable for an interview, but in a statement to the ABC chief executive Daryl Madden said the timeframe for payments varied.

"We cannot talk about individual cases for privacy reasons," Mr Madden said.

"The progress of any claim … is communicated in writing on a regular basis.

"Where a specialist is not available locally, we may have to use interstate specialists."

Battle for compensation longer than duration of illness

Mr McLeod's battle for compensation has outlasted his fight against cancer, having been recently given good news by doctors.

"Came out with the thumbs up this morning, everything was OK and they don't want to see me again another six months," he said.

"So that's really great, great news."

The former firefighter said his protracted fight for compensation was not about the money.

"I'm just in this for them to do the right thing for me and all firefighters into the future," he said.

AustraliaPlus


 

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