É«ÀÇÉçÇøDepartmental Committee representatives met with Commissioner Trent Curtin and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Executive representatives on 27 May 2026 to discuss workplace, industrial and safety matters affecting members.
Communication and consultation
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøraised ongoing concerns regarding poor communication and a lack of meaningful consultation across the RFS.
Several recent examples were identified where workplace, operational and safety-related changes were implemented without consultation with staff, Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) or the É«ÀÇÉçÇøprior to release.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøreminded the RFS that consultation on matters affecting Work Health and Safety and industrial conditions is a legal obligation, not an optional process.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøalso raised concerns regarding what was described as an ongoing culture of organisational arrogance within parts of the Executive Leadership Team, with consultation often only occurring after concerns are formally raised. The Commissioner acknowledged communication remains a challenge and accepted improvements are required.
Workforce and vacancies
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøagain raised concerns regarding the failure to backfill critical positions, including district second-in-charge position roles when relieving District Managers.
The Commissioner advised that current practice is generally to backfill to the second-in-charge position, with remaining duties absorbed by workgroups.
The Commissioner also advised that the RFS is currently operating within a budget that does not support its approved staffing establishment. This raises significant concerns regarding the organisation’s ability to fill vacancies, maintain service delivery and continue meeting salary, overtime and other award obligations without placing additional pressure on existing staff.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇønoted that the organisation’s current budget pressures reflect long-standing workforce and industrial issues. Repeated opportunities to modernise the RFS Award and address emerging workforce challenges were not acted upon, ultimately contributing to costly litigation and subsequent Supreme Court proceedings. The É«ÀÇÉçÇøemphasised that members should not bear the consequences of decisions that have contributed to the organisation’s current staffing and budget challenges.
Award negotiations
The Commissioner confirmed meetings are scheduled for 18–19 June to discuss the É«ÀÇÉçÇøLog of Claims ahead of formal award negotiations.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇønoted that the RFS does not appear to have obtained bargaining parameters from the Public Sector Industrial Relations Secretariat (PSIR) and will continue advocating strongly for improved wages and conditions for members.
Workplace Complaints Framework
Management advised that a review of the Workplace Complaints Framework has been completed using two years of complaint data, with an action plan to be presented at the next JCC.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøalso raised concerns regarding employee complaints against volunteers being classified as Tier 1 matters and referred back to local District Managers, advising this approach may discourage reporting and undermine confidence in the complaints process.
Health and Safety
Updates were provided on:
- Development of the Safety Hub reporting system;
- An external review of vibration exposure affecting mitigation crews;
- A pilot skin cancer screening program; and
- Roll out of Psychological Health First Aid training.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøalso advocated for dedicated health and safety representation for mitigation staff.
É«ÀÇÉçÇømembers are encouraged to utilise existing RFS safety systems such as Safety HUB located in OneRFS to report and record safety related matters.
NSW Auditor-General’s review
The RFS advised that the NSW Auditor-General’s Office will undertake a review into psychosocial hazards within the RFS.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøencourages members who are approached to participate and share their experiences to help drive meaningful workplace improvements.
Overtime
Concerns regarding operational and general overtime remain unresolved.
Management committed to providing further advice regarding overtime approval processes.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøalso argued that authority to approve district overtime should rest with District Managers, who are responsible for district operations and budgets under the Rural Fires Act.
Accommodation and travel
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøraised concerns that some employees are being asked to personally cover accommodation and meal costs that exceed Treasury allowance rates.
Management indicated a willingness to review current arrangements. The É«ÀÇÉçÇøwill continue to pursue clarification to ensure members are not left out of pocket while undertaking approved work-related travel.
Mitigation issues
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøraised concerns regarding mitigation uniforms, access to Fire Control Centres, accommodation arrangements, new mitigation appliances, role clarity and health and safety representation.
The union also highlighted concerns about mitigation crews being accommodated in temporary facilities, including shipping containers, due to some Fire Control Centres lacking adequate office and welfare facilities. The É«ÀÇÉçÇøbelieves permanent workgroups should be provided with suitable accommodation and workspaces that reflect the ongoing nature of their roles.
Overweight appliances
Management provided an update on the overweight appliance project and committed to sharing information regarding affected vehicles, risk assessments and proposed equipment lists.
Long-term solutions are being incorporated into future vehicle build programs, including improved vehicle weight information displayed on appliances.
É«ÀÇÉçÇøvisibility and communications
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøhas specifically requested a dedicated É«ÀÇÉçÇøcommunity within One RFS for industrial updates and member communications, such as the publication of past JCC minutes.
District Review
Management provided an update on the District Review and committed to ongoing consultation with delegates and staff.
The RFS has requested that the É«ÀÇÉçÇønominate a delegate to sit on the District Review Working Group.
É«ÀÇÉçÇøcommitment
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøwill continue to advocate for meaningful consultation, safe workplaces, fair conditions and adequate resources across the NSW Rural Fire Service.
If you have concerns regarding any of the issues outlined above, please contact your É«ÀÇÉçÇøDelegate or contact the É«ÀÇÉçÇødirectly on 1800 772 679.