The CPSU has welcomed Airservices Australia’s decision to reject the privatisation of firefighting capability,
saying the outcome protects critical public sector jobs, and safeguards public assets.
The CPSU campaigned against this proposal which they called ‘dangerous’ - dangerous for workers, for the
travelling public, and for all Australians who continue to rely on the firefighting assets for disaster response
in their local communities.
The union, which represents Emergency Vehicle Technicians, said this win will also have long standing
benefits for our regional and rural communities who rely heavily on the public services Airservices Australia
provides.
In an email to staff, Airservices CEO Rob Sharp said:
"Over the last six months, we have undertaken a thorough consultation process on the ARFF strategic
partnership proposal, including with employees, union representatives, and government stakeholders.
Considering this feedback in conjunction with an assessment of the timing, strategic advantages and risks
of the proposal, the Airservices’ Board has decided not to proceed with the proposal. Our ARFF service and
structure remain unchanged, as does our focus on safety, operational excellence and service delivery. The
underlying need to invest in and modernise our services remains. We will continue to explore finance
options while still effectively managing the performance risk of these ageing assets and systems."
In the consultation process, the union cautioned the government that this privatisation proposal may end
up being yet another outsourcing failure that lines the pockets of business at the expense of taxpayers and
the travelling public.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO REBECCA FAWCETT, CPSU DEPUTY SECRETARY
“This is a significant win for the CPSU which has been calling on the Government to keep public sector jobs
and public assets where they belong – in public hands.
“And it will ensure aviation firefighting services can continue to support travelling Australians with a focus
on risks to airports, as well as regional and rural communities when they need it most – like they did in the
Black Summer bushfires.
“I want to thank our CPSU members for their tireless advocacy, which has delivered this important win
against the privatisation of public services.”
25 JUNE 2026
Media contact: PENNI PAPPAS – 0458 895 445