Application by United Firefighters' Union of Australia (259V)
Citation: [2026] FWCFB 224
At a glance
- Awards cited
- MA000004, MA000032
What happened
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), along with several unions (Health Services Union, Transport Workers Union, Australian Services Union, Australian Workers Union, Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association, United Workers Union, and Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation) applied to vary vehicle-related allowances in 41 modern awards. The United Firefighters' Union of Australia (UFU) also applied for a similar variation to the Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020. The applications sought to adjust expense-related allowances for employees using their own vehicles for work. The applications were driven by conflict in the Middle East impacting global oil supply and a change in the Australian Bureau of Statistics' reporting frequency for consumer price index data. Employer associations opposed the applications.
What was decided
The Fair Work Commission Full Bench decided to vary the Aged Care Award 2010 and the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010. This variation includes a temporary increase to vehicle allowances, effective from September 1, 2026. The Commission found that the variations were necessary to achieve the modern awards objective, considering the impact of the Middle East conflict on fuel prices and the change in CPI reporting. The decision was made in response to applications under s 157 of the Fair Work Act, which allows for variations to modern awards to achieve their objectives.
What it means for employers
Employers covered by the affected awards should be aware of the temporary increase in vehicle allowances. They need to review their payroll systems and ensure compliance with the new rates. The decision highlights the Commission’s willingness to adjust awards in response to significant economic events and changes in data reporting.
What it means for employees
Employees who use their own vehicles for work and are covered by the affected awards will receive a temporary increase in their vehicle allowance. Employees should check the specific award variations to understand the details of the changes.
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This summary was drafted from the published decision and reviewed before publishing. It is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, speak to the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified lawyer. About these summaries & corrections