Support for emergency services workers

Support from telecommunications providers

Telecommunications providers including Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone may offer specific relief for volunteer firefighter customers. 

This includes free mobile phone bills during certain times.

Talk to your service provider.
 

Access to paid leave

Commonwealth public servants who volunteer with state rural fire services can access at least four weeks (20 days) of paid emergency services leave.

This leave is so that they can work on the front lines and is separate to their regular annual and sick leave.

Talk to your employer to discuss your access to these, or similar, arrangements. 

Volunteer firefighter payments 

Applications for the volunteer firefighter payments have closed.

This funding has supported volunteer firefighters who lost income while being called out for long periods of volunteer service.

Support has been provided to more than 3,200 volunteers. 

Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland took part in this program.

To ask about an existing application: 

• In the Australian Capital Territory, visit ACT Emergency Services Agency.
• In New South Wales, call 13 77 88 or visit Service NSW.
• In South Australia, call 1300 364 587 or visit Service SA.
• In Queensland, call 1800 268 462.

Australian Government funded support is available for families and individuals recovering from the bushfires.

This includes emergency services workers (both paid and volunteer).

Visit our Support for families and individuals page.