Late forensic scientist’s WorkSafe claim overturned after cancer battle
The voice on the other end of the phone was weak but happy. We both knew the man on the phone was dying, but he was calling with good news.
I only met John Kelleher a few weeks ago to tell him his story.
He was the lead forensic scientist for the Victoria Police Fire and Explosives Unit for more than 30 years.
He was considered so valuable that he was past the age at which he wanted to retire because he was vital in many important investigations and the fires in the tobacco war meant he was never busier.
Then last year he was diagnosed with aggressive esophageal cancer and immediately retired.
He attended more than 7,000 appearances, and in the early days his protective equipment consisted of rubber boots and overalls.
The link between many types of cancer, including esophageal cancer, has long been recognized, but the claim that the death was work-related has been rejected.
There is an estimated compensation for firefighters; This means that cancers like John’s are automatically considered work-related.
But when Victoria Police’s WorkSafe representative approached Gallagher and Bassett with her claim, examiners pointed out her claim would be rejected because she had been a smoker nearly 30 years ago.
We wrote a Naked City column about John’s career, which he spent trying to find justice, only to fall victim to a terrible injustice in his final days.
It sparked dozens of comments and old friends reaching out.
A few days after publication, John called, his voice hoarse, his body sinking, but his mood cheerful.
He had recently been contacted by Gallagher and Bassett, who reversed the decision.
I don’t think this was a decision based on avoiding bad publicity. I think one of Gallagher and Bassett read the story and came to the only possible conclusion.
Rejecting John’s claim was complete nonsense.
“I’m delighted that this will set a precedent so my colleagues will be covered. It shows that the pen is mightier than the sword,” John said.
He was gone a few days after the news was received. He died peacefully on Monday.
Here are some comments from cops who worked with him. “John was one of a kind… Vicpol’s dead set legend… John was a master in his field of expertise… He was very helpful and always willing to explain things to a young, foolish detective.”
Although he was not a police officer, his name should be included in the official Victoria Police records of those who died in the line of duty.
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