Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment

Bulletin 7 - revised offer for new enterprise agreement - issued 19 December 2025

Following feedback from the United Workers Union (UWU), I have made a revised ‘without prejudice’ offer for a new Firefighter Enterprise Agreement to replace the Northern Territory Public Service Fire and Rescue Service Enterprise Agreement 2021–2025, which expired on 7 November 2025.

We have listened carefully to the feedback provided and understand the importance of maintaining strong conditions, operational clarity, and flexibility for our workforce. Firefighters perform a critical role in protecting the Northern Territory community, and this agreement must reflect that responsibility while ensuring fairness and sustainability.

Responding to your feedback

Feedback from the UWU raised concerns about the potential erosion of conditions.

I want to be clear: the changes proposed are intended to strengthen and clarify provisions, not reduce them.

  • Emergency Duty:
    Adjustments remove ambiguity and prevent exploitation of multiple call-outs, ensuring fairness and operational integrity in the application of this entitlement.
  • Higher Duties:
    The changes in this area are in fact to improve transparency and consistency, and will ensure financial recognition for all employees who are required to undertake higher duties.
  • Accelerated Recruitment Program (ARP):
    Current restrictive provisions have prevented ARP programs from being implemented. The proposed amendments remove these barriers and enable greater flexibility and efficiency in recruitment and ensuring NTFRS are able to maintain and increase firefighter numbers effectively.
  • Difficult to Fill:
    Changes streamline processes to better address critical vacancies and improve operational capability ensuring NTFRS are supported in increasing firefighter numbers and alleviating recruitment and retention challenges in positions that are difficult to fill.

NTFRS – Among the top paid Fire Services in Australia

It is important to recognise the strong position NTFRS holds nationally in terms of remuneration. While comparisons between jurisdictions can be complex due to different structures and entitlements, a comprehensive review was undertaken, which considered the full range of allowances and conditions across jurisdictions. This review confirmed that NTFRS remains one of the most competitive fire services in Australia:

  • 1st nationally for Firefighter Classes B, C & D and Leading Firefighter
  • 2nd nationally for Senior Firefighter, Station Officer and Senior Station Officer
  • 3rd nationally for Firefighter Class A and Recruits

This means NTFRS firefighters are among the best paid in the country, supported by strong conditions and entitlements that reflect the critical role you play in protecting the Northern Territory community.

Employer improvements

In response to feedback on job security and expanded powers, I am withdrawing these employer proposals:

  • Redeployment and Redundancy: The two-year provision for employees to remain on the redeployee database will be retained.
  • Consultation on By-Laws and Determinations: Current consultation arrangements will remain unchanged.

Additionally, I am proposing an improvement to compassionate leave provisions to provide greater flexibility and support for employees during difficult circumstances.

Revised Offer Details and Back Pay Commitment

If this offer is agreed to and endorsed when put to a vote, it will be back paid to 20 November 2025.

This revised offer reflects a genuine effort to listen and respond to your concerns. It balances operational requirements and delivers an agreement that supports the vital work you do every day and ensures NTFRS remains one of the most competitive fire services in the country.

Read the full details of the revised offer PDF (205.9 KB).

Take the time to review what’s included so you can see exactly what is included in this offer.

Have your say – your feedback is important

Should you wish to express a view on the offer or make a suggestion, you can provide your feedback to me by emailing enquiries.ocpe@nt.gov.au.

More information

Regular updates in relation to the bargaining process will be posted to the OCPE webpage at Enterprise Agreement Negotiations | Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment.

Information on bargaining in general can be obtained on the Fair Work Commission website or call their information on 1300 799 675.

See information on the Northern Territory Public Sector Bargaining Policy 2025-2028.

Nicole Hurwood
Commissioner for Public Employment
19 December 2025