The NSW Government has asked IPART to review user-pays charges by Fire and Rescue NSW.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) provides fire, rescue and hazmat services in cities and towns across NSW.
Most of its activities are funded by insurance companies and local councils, as well as the NSW Government. This funding is for attending fires and hazmat emergencies as well as undertaking rescues
However, FRNSW can charge for some of its services such as false alarm call-outs to automatic fire alarm systems, hazmat emergencies that last longer than an hour, statutory fire safety inspections, and attendance at special events.
The review will look at the current charging model and will make recommendations on:
- Which services should be subject to user-pays charges
- A pricing framework to recover the costs of those services
We are required to consider any public comments on the draft terms of reference and settle the final terms of reference with the Minister for Customer Service.
All interested parties are invited to make submissions on the draft terms of reference by 22 June 2021. Draft terms of reference and information on how to make a submission are on our website here.
There will be further opportunities to comment on this review when we publish an issues paper, to be followed by a draft report and a public hearing. Details will be made available on the IPART website.
As well as what services should be charged for, the review will recommend prices to apply from 1 September 2022.
More information about the review is available here.