THE Industrial Relations Commission of NSW has handed down its decision on awards covering Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters.

Firefighters in New South Wales will receive a 14 per cent wage increase over three years, backdated to February 2024.

This includes a one-off reset of two per cent spread over the life of the three-year awards, which the IRC found was needed due to cost of living pressures after the former government’s wage decisions artificially repressed pay for the State’s almost 7000 firefighters.

The decision will deliver a four per cent pay rise backdated to February last year, four per cent from February 2025 and three per cent in the final year from February, 2026.

The IRC has also awarded an additional three per cent increase from 2026 to recognise firefighters’ competency in road crash rescue work.

The Commission found road crash rescue is now a core function of the role, mandating its payment to all firefighters in recognition of the scope of work of modern firefighters.

The IRC decision reflects the vital role all firefighters play in responding to motor vehicle accidents, saving lives by extracting people from crashes sooner.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the NSW Government was delivering pay increases for frontline firefighters that recognise their work and commitment across all communities.

“This offer increases wages and improves benefits for firefighters across New South Wales and demonstrates we are delivering a fairer workplace bargaining system,” Mr Dib said.

“Our firefighters provide vital assistance in times of need and the Minns Government continues to support the people who protect and defend NSW communities.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said the outcome recognises the critical work firefighters do every day to keep NSW communities safe.

“It also provides certainty as we work with the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union to implement the decision and support firefighters across the state,” Mr Fewtrell said.