Bushfires NT volunteer members - employee rights

The Bushfires Management Act 2016 provides protection of employment rights of volunteer members to respond to a bushfire in the course of duty.

Find out more about how to volunteer with Bushfires NT.

Protection of employment rights

When a volunteer responds to a bushfire, entitlements under their industrial award or agreement are protected under the Act.

Employers can't:

• dismiss
• lose any of the following:
  • long service leave
  • sick leave
  • recreational leave
  • other benefits.

You should negotiate with your employer suitable leave arrangements early in your employment. Do this before you attend an emergency.

Payroll tax exemptions for employers

Payments to employees who are absent from work to volunteer as firefighters are exempt from payroll tax. Read the Payroll Tax Act 2009.

These exemptions apply to employers of Bushfires NT volunteers.

The exemption doesn't apply when the employee is involved in volunteer firefighter activities while on official leave, such as annual leave or long service leave.