Fair Work Legislation Amendment (First Responders) 2023

# Fair Work Legislation Amendment (First Responders) 2023 ## What it does This bill makes it easier for firefighters, police officers, and other first responders to claim workers' compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Instead of proving their job caused the condition, the law will assume their work contributed significantly to their PTSD — unless their employer can prove otherwise. ## Why it matters First responders regularly witness traumatic events that can cause serious mental health issues. Currently, they struggle to get compensation because proving the link between their job and PTSD is difficult and expensive. This flip in the burden of proof gives them real support when they need it most. ## Key details - **Who's covered**: Firefighters, Australian Federal Police, state/territory police, paramedics, and other designated first responders (the exact list will be set out in a ministerial decision) - **What counts as PTSD**: The Minister will define which types of PTSD diagnoses qualify, using formal legal documents - **When it starts**: The law takes effect 28 days after Parliament approves it