Following Sitrep 27/2025, the FBEU has this week continued to meet with FRNSW to review the implications and practical application of various aspects of the IRC’s Award decision. These meetings will continue regularly as we progress towards the finalisation of the Awards, which will occur as soon as possible.
We are informed that FRNSW is continuing to work through the processing of relevant wage increases and backpay. As previously noted, FRNSW has flagged that the process may take several weeks. We will continue to update members when further information is made available.
Discussions continue with respect to the various clauses for which the IRC identified as requiring further negotiation and drafting. Examples of those matters are identified in Sitrep 27/2025. Additionally, and in accordance with decision, the parties have also commenced discussions on the establishment of a formal consultative mechanism to review the tasks of a modern-day firefighter, alongside the appropriate relativities and renumeration of our skills.
This is an important component of the IRC decision which facilitates further discussion and review of these matters within the Award period. A ‘renumeration taskforce’, as featured in our initial log of claims, will provide a framework to review the appropriate level of renumeration of various specialist skills which the FBEU believe require further consideration. These include, for example, the Fire Investigation allowance, the Cert IV allowance, and other non-station-based aspects of our claim not granted by the IRC. Importantly, the FBEU intend on ensuring there is a review of the new GLR allowance and its appropriate value and relativity to other allowances following on from the IRC decision.
These discussions are at an early concept stage, but progress updates and more concrete resolutions will be provided and expanded upon in due course.
AWARD DECISION FEATURES IN BUDGET ESTIMATES
Our Award decision featured at length today as the Treasurer and other government officials faced Budget Estimates. The Opposition, citing our decision as the ‘FBEU precedent’, expressed concerns as to the budgetary impact should other public sector workforces be awarded pay increases beyond the Government offer, equivalent to that achieved by FBEU members without trade-offs.
Into next week, FBEU officials will continue to meet with Members of the Legislative Council (MLC’s), from all sides of the political spectrum, to ensure our key priorities remain front and centre of the political calendar.
