Dying SES employee fights to have workers' compensation claim recognised

Key points

• Ken Bodinnar, a 73-year-old former State Emergency Service worker from Paynesville, is fighting to have his workers' compensation claim recognised. His doctors believe his small-cell lung cancer resulted from years of service, including the Black Saturday fires.
• The insurer rejected the claim, and a medical report later found his exposure to firefighting smoke and diesel fumes was a significant contributing factor. The dispute will go to trial in November.
• Mr Bodinnar is in intensive care in Geelong and hopes the claim will support his family.