My name is Gary Marsh. I’ve been a firefighter in South Australia for 17 years. I love this job. It’s what I was born to do - serving and protecting my community, running toward danger when others run away. But now, I’m fighting a battle I never saw coming.

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with an incurable cancer caused by the job I love. Like many firefighters, I have been exposed to many carcinogens/toxins in the line of duty, and I believed workers' compensation (the Return to Work Act 2014) would be there when I needed it most. But because of a loophole in the law, my wage support is being cut off after just two years. My family and I are now facing a terrifying reality: how do we survive day to day, pay the mortgage etc while I’m still fighting this disease?

Firefighters put their lives on the line for others every day. We don’t hesitate. We don’t ask for anything in return. But now, we need help. That’s why my family and I started this petition, calling on the South Australian Government to fix the law and ensure that firefighters diagnosed with work-related cancers receive 100% wage protection for as long as they need it.

We shouldn’t have to fight for fair treatment while we’re fighting for our lives. Will you stand with us? Please sign the petition now—because no firefighter should be left struggling when they need help the most.