News

SitRep 18/2025

June 13, 2025

$17 MILLION FLEET FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT

Last Sunday’s pre-budget announcement of $17 million for FRNSW fleet replacements comes in response to consistent campaigning from the FBEU concerning the department’s ageing fleet. This funding, allocated over two years, will primarily target the replacement of critical Class 3 appliances and is understood to supplement the standard annual fleet budget, which is due to be announced later this month.

For several years, members have continued to take public action on FRNSW’s ageing fleet, highlighting the impacts of unreliable trucks on public safety and our capacity to protect life and property. Video and photo content from members and delegates has ensured that this issue continues to feature across metro and regional media. We encourage members to keep sharing this content with the FBEU Office.

The pre-budget announcement presents a circuit-breaker to the compounding problems associated with FRNSW’s ‘fix when fail’ approach to fleet maintenance, fast-tracking the decommissioning of assets beyond their usable life and reintroducing strategic replacement. The announcement is welcomed by the FBEU but is acknowledged as only a step in the right direction—our work is far from complete, and the Union will continue advocating for long-term solutions to address FRNSW’s resourcing challenges.

In the meantime, rest assured that your persistent pressure on this matter has been instrumental in securing this additional funding and demonstrates the power of collective action.

Members can view a collection of recent media coverage on the fleet crisis here.

 

PRESUMPTIVE LEGISLATION CAMPAIGN – CALL TO ACTION

Over the past few months, members have been working closely with delegates and organisers to ramp up the campaign to expand existing presumptive legislation, ensuring NSW professional firefighters are covered for the following additional work-related cancers and qualifying periods: 

• Lung – 15 years
• Skin – 15 years
• Cervical – 10 years
• Ovarian – 10 years
• Penile – 15 years
• Pancreatic – 10 years
• Thyroid – 10 years
• Malignant mesothelioma – 15 years
• Uterine – 10 years

This campaign is critically important to all FBEU members and their families. If you’re new to the Union, familiarise yourself with our previous updates and campaign content.

FBEU officials have continued advocating before the State Government on this matter. However, it is increasingly clear that we must redouble our efforts to secure change.

As such, the Union is calling on all members—current and retired—to support the campaign in the coming months and maintain pressure on key government decision-makers. To get involved, leave your details via this form, and an organiser will be in touch.

 

VALE COMRADE MURRAY

As some members would know, Life Member Matt Murray passed away last week.

For those who didn’t have the privilege of knowing him, Matt was a dedicated and long-serving member of our State Committee of Management, as well as a proud FBEU member.

Matt embodied what it means to be a unionist—committed, courageous, and always fighting for what was right. His contributions to the FBEU, our campaigns, and the broader movement were immeasurable. 

Our hearts go out to the Murray family during this difficult time. Matt’s legacy will live on in the work we do, but his presence, wisdom, and camaraderie will be deeply missed.

Vale Matt Murray.

 

In Unity,

Leighton Drury
State Secretary

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