QAFA is sharing the Commissioner’s statement below, issued on 27 August 2026, alongside the Award document supplied by the association.
Download the Award document (PDF)
The document is titled Auxiliary Firefighters’ Award – State 2016 and identifies its reprint operative date as 28 August 2026.
Commissioner’s statement
Dear colleagues
Yesterday, the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) handed down its decision approving a variation to the Auxiliary Firefighters’ Award – State 2016.
The decision follows an extensive review undertaken by Queensland Fire Department, representatives of our Auxiliary Firefighters and the Queensland Professional Firefighters’ Union.
The varied Award operates from 28 August 2026 and represents an important modernisation and substantial improvement of the employment framework and conditions for our Auxiliary Firefighters since the Award was first made in 2016.
The changes include a new classification and remuneration structure, clearer arrangements for casual employment and different types of work, updated minimum engagement provisions, and revised arrangements across a range of operational employment conditions.
This is a significant outcome for our Auxiliary workforce and for QFD.
As Auxiliary Firefighters, you provide an essential frontline service across Queensland, particularly throughout regional and rural communities. It is important that the industrial framework supporting your work appropriately recognises your responsibilities, skills and contribution.
I acknowledge the considerable work undertaken by everyone involved in the review. The QIRC recognised the thorough and productive process undertaken by the parties and commended their cooperation in reaching a consensus outcome. I would particularly like to thank and acknowledge the commitment and patience of the Auxiliary Firefighters who formed part of the working group, Matthew Arkinstall, Ben Phipps and Brendan Gigante.
What happens next
The QIRC’s decision is an important milestone, but it is also the beginning of a significant implementation process for QFD. We are committed to implementing the new Award carefully, consistently and transparently, and to giving our people opportunities to understand the changes and ask questions as that work progresses.
There are a number of changes within the varied Award that now need to be carefully worked through and translated into our systems, processes and operational arrangements. This includes changes that will require QFD to work closely with Queensland Shared Services (QSS) to implement the necessary payroll and system changes.
In the coming weeks, you will hear more from Queensland Fire and Rescue leaders and the Workforce Relations and Policy Branch about how implementation will occur. Information sessions will be held and supporting material will be provided to the workforce to explain the changes, what they mean for employees and how and when individual provisions will be implemented and how they are to be interpreted.
Our intention is to implement the changes as quickly and carefully as possible. We recognise that remuneration is particularly important to our people. Wage and other pay-related changes will therefore be prioritised, including the work required with QSS to give effect to those changes. Some system changes may take time to complete, and we will keep employees informed about timing, including how any payment implications associated with implementation will be managed.
There is nothing Auxiliary Firefighters need to do immediately. Please continue to work and record your activities in accordance with current QFD processes and await further implementation advice. Once the varied Award is published by the QIRC and is operative, a link will be made available on the Gateway.
I am pleased that the effective collaboration between the working group has resulted in an Award that respects our Auxiliary workforce. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this significant body of work, and particularly to our Auxiliary Firefighters for the important service you provide to Queensland communities every day.
Regards,
Steve Smith AFSM
Commissioner
Queensland Fire Department