The Minns Labor Government is investing in the future of the state's firefighters with a 4.5% pay rise for more than 6800 Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) staff.
The NSW Government has reached an agreement with the Fire Brigade Employees' Union (FBEU) to finalise the pay increase for permanent and on-call firefighters.
It follows similar pay rises for other NSW frontline workers, including nurses and police, which are the highest in a decade.
The agreement has also given rise to a new non-station based allowance designed to incentivise more training opportunities and clearer promotional pathways, which will benefit community safety.
After 12 years, the NSW Government is committed to growing the FRNSW frontline and has set the target of appointing 600 new permanent firefighters over the next 8 years.
The total number of FRNSW staff has declined over the past decade despite the state growing by almost a million people.
The NSW Government's investment in these personnel is long overdue and is recognition of the critical role they play in keeping the NSW community safe.
It comes on top of what the Minns Labor Government has already delivered:
- the end of the former government's unfair public sector wages cap, and
- a 2-year salary freeze for senior executives and Members of Parliament which will save around $250 million over 4 years.
We are a government with a clear focus - managing our finances responsibly so we can provide support when you need it most and improve the essential services that we all rely on, now and into the future.
Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:
"I welcome the agreement for better pay and conditions for NSW firefighters, it's a win for the industry and I thank the firies for their advocacy, patience and support.
"It's been 12 years since we saw meaningful negotiation for our firies.
"We appreciate their commitment and service to the people of NSW."
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
"Whether it is responding to fires or accidents, FRNSW employees do a lot for the community, and a pay rise is an important way of recognising and rewarding this work.
"I am very pleased to have seen a negotiated agreement between FRNSW and the FBEU that, in addition to a significant pay rise, also heralds a renewed commitment to work together in order to achieve the best possible outcomes.
"This government is committed to supporting the state's frontline workers who provide critical services to the people of NSW, and I am proud to be part of the government introducing the first significant pay rise for our incredible firefighters in more than a decade."
