Rural Fire Service: update from the Joint Consultative Committee Meeting
The PSA attended the most recent Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) meeting with the RFS on 27 August 2025, Multiple subjects were discussed, such as key workplace issues, updates on policies, and matters affecting both staff and volunteers across the organisation, including:
Hours of Work and the Supreme Court Settlement
The Hours of Work Policy will be reviewed in three months. The RFS is preparing a video to guide staff on its application.
The PSA emphasised the importance of a consistent approach across the organisation.
The PSA voiced its concern about the continuing inconsistent application of LA time, Leave-in-Lieu (LIL), and Overtime (OT), particularly for work performed outside bandwidth hours at the request or direction of the RFS.
Members are encouraged to raise any concerns with their delegates or directly with the PSA if they feel their entitlement to overtime is not being recognised.
The PSA also reminded the RFS of the importance of complying with the recent Supreme Court settlement and supporting members’ industrial rights. Accurate recording of hours worked by all staff with their MAR is encouraged to ensure all staff are properly recognised for their time.
Body Worn Cameras
The RFS has obtained trial models of body worn cameras and reviewed policies from other government agencies. Legal advice is being sought to ensure compliance with the Surveillance Act and related regulations. Cameras may be used by Fire Investigators, Bushfire Impact Analysts, Hazard Management Officers and Penalty Notice Officers, primarily to enhance safety for staff working remotely, in isolation, or when likely to interact with members of the public who display challenging and aggressive behaviours.
Glendenning Relocation
Eight submissions regarding the Glendenning relocation are under review. Hot desk and alternate working arrangements are being considered; no staff will be relocated to Bankstown. Although a hot desk policy does not yet exist, the PSA requested one be developed, which was agreed to by RFS.
Volunteer Health Standards
Volunteer health standards will not be applied to staff. District staff will be responsible for implementing these standards with volunteers, and a communications package is being prepared to support this process.
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