Market Rate Review for the 2025/26 Financial Year update
Fire and Emergency is committed to delivering our services to communities within our funding envelope. This means that we are taking a prudent approach to ensure our financial sustainability and stability now, and into the future.
The annual market rate review for pay for 2025 is now complete. This review applies to people employed on the following agreements:
- Fire and Emergency Commanders Association (FECA) Collective Agreement (and mirror agreements)
- Public Service Association (PSA) Collective Agreement (and mirror agreements)
- Individual Employment Agreements.
This review enables Fire and Emergency to compare its pay rates with other organisations. We complete a market rate review every year, and the outcome can be different each time, depending on several factors.
The review is completed by considering external market data, Government workforce policy statements and guidance. We also consider current economic factors, Fire and Emergency’s ability to afford any changes and feedback we receive from our union partners.
Decision
Like the rest of the country, Fire and Emergency is facing financial pressure. Because of this, and because many of our pay ranges remain competitive with the market, the Executive Leadership Team and the Board have determined that the fiscally responsible approach this year is to maintain the current rates. There will be no market rate adjustments for the 2025/26 financial year.
This decision was not made lightly. It was, however, made in the context of our commitment to the Minister and our Board to deliver our services within our budget, and the need to manage the financial risk due to changes in our levy which is around 95% of our funding.
Progression
It’s important to note that the market rate review does not have any impact on the annual remuneration review on the anniversary of someone’s appointment to their role. For guidance on that, please contact the Remuneration and Benefits team or refer to the Remuneration Policy.