Mick Hughes spent almost 35 years of his life to the firefighter profession. Tragically, he succumbed to the disease less than a year after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His widow, Heather Hughes, believes that the cancer resulted from decades of exposure to toxic chemicals encountered during his service. She was told that she was not entitled to dependency compensation after his death. After her claim was first denied, she immediately launched a legal challenge and demanded changes to the law that had failed her.
Mick Hughes bravely served his community and worked alongside his fellow firefighters, attending numerous hazardous incidents, including the notorious Coode Island disaster in 1991. As dedicated as he was to his post, the burden of toxic exposure followed him. Heather Hughes remembers her husband coming home and talking about the dangers he was putting himself in.
Health Impact of Toxic Exposure
The fight Heather Hughes is engaged in today is a testament to the health threats firefighters face every day on the job. Firefighters have long been heroes on the front lines of exposure to hazardous materials in the workplace. As a result, these hazards may cause debilitating and fatal conditions like numerous cancers. Mick went through this, as he recently developed pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, for no justifiable reason, this condition is not included on the list of 15 cancers which automatically qualify Victorians for compensation.
Heather Hughes as she testified about her belief that the cause of her husband’s illness was .
“He was a very fit man, but was always concerned about attending all these toxic fires.” – Heather Hughes
This sentiment speaks to the larger issue that’s brewing within the firefighting community on the long-term impact of toxic exposure. In 2023, the exclusive state government broadened the list of eligible cancers. They left out pancreatic cancer, perhaps leaving millions more in peril.
Compensation Claim Rejected
After her battle to bring justice to her deceased husband, Heather Hughes found out that her dependency claim had been denied. Read her story here. Jenny was incredulous at the state’s decision, as she believed the state had already conceded liability in cases like her own.
“I was quite shocked because initially I thought, well, you’ve already accepted liability.” – Heather Hughes
Peter Marshall, secretary of the United Firefighters Union, shared her outrage. He emphasized that the system is designed to support family members of fallen firefighters but has failed in this instance.
“The claim is supposed to be there for the dependencies, for the family members.” – Peter Marshall
This 387,000 number is what’s fired up Heather Hughes’ resolve. She is now pushing for new legislation to better protect other firefighters from the same life-threatening health complications.
Advocacy for Change
In the years since, Heather Hughes has turned into an unstoppable crusader. She’s vowed to continue to advocate for legislation that would make pancreatic cancer a compensable condition for firefighters. Her efforts are not only personal, they are deeply personal. They hope to establish a favorable precedent for future cases in which firefighters may face similar health catastrophes due to their service.
She keeps Mick’s service medals worn, as they are a daily reminder of his service and sacrifice. Heather is committed to continuing to fight for greater protections for firefighters in Victoria. She’s convinced other states have done it—passed adequate protections from the dangers of pancreatic cancer—and she wants to live up to that standard.
“I’m going into battle for you, Mick. Someone needs to have a voice for you.” – Heather Hughes
Her advocacy has won her support from both of Montana’s U.S. Senate, Democratic nominee Mike Cooney, and House candidates. Even as Liberal MP Nick McGowan asked for compensation for firefighters. In a prepared statement, he wrote that he was especially disappointed that the federal government continues to recognize some cancers while refusing to acknowledge others.
“This government continues, unfortunately, to pick and choose, and when it comes to cancer we shouldn’t be picking and choosing.” – Nick McGowan
This continued conversation demonstrates a deep desire for change. We need to take a much broader approach to how the government tackles firefighter health concerns.
