Analysis of Victorian Public Service data shows DEECA has allowed the gender pay gap for female forest firefighters to nearly triple over four years, with women missing out on $4,255 in pay increases, damning figures we are highlighting ahead of Wednesday's "Fair Pay Now" rally at Parliament.
The data shows female forest firefighters received only $3,781 in pay increases between 2019 and 2023, missing out on $4,255 compared to the $8,036 increase in the male median salary.
The gender pay gap for FFMV/DEECA Field Staff surged from 3.4% in 2019 to 9.5% in 2023 under DEECA's watch, with female firefighters earning a median salary of $58,787 compared to the male median of $64,966, a gap of $6,179.
AWU Victorian Branch President and Lead Country Organiser Ross Kenna said the widening pay gap was another damning example of how DEECA was failing its workforce.
"These women are doing the same dangerous work, facing the same fires, risking their lives to protect communities, yet DEECA has allowed a pay gap to blow out considerably," Mr Kenna said.
"Four years ago, the gap was $1,924. Today it's $6,179. This department has overseen the gap nearly triple on their watch.
"While DEECA drags its feet on fair pay for all forest firefighters, women in this workforce have been left even further behind. The department needs to fix this."
AWU Victorian Secretary Ronnie Hayden said the data exposed systemic undervaluation of women in emergency services.
"Women make up a crucial part of this workforce. They're highly trained professionals who put their lives on the line protecting Victorian communities," Mr Hayden said.
"Yet over four years, the department has overseen a situation where women have missed out on substantial pay increases. That's not just unfair, it's a systemic failure.
"All forest firefighters, men and women deserve fair pay. But DEECA has a particular responsibility to address why women in this workforce are falling further behind.
Mr Kenna said Wednesday's rally would amplify the voices of all forest firefighters.
"On Wednesday, we're marching together, demanding DEECA fix the pay crisis across the board. But the department also needs to answer why the gender pay gap has blown out under their management," Mr Kenna said.
"Women in this workforce have missed out on significant pay increases. DEECA created this problem, and DEECA needs to fix it.
"Fair pay means fair pay for everyone. It means equal pay for equal work. And it means valuing all the workers who risk their lives to protect Victorian communities."
RALLY DETAILS:
What: AWU Rally for Forest Firefighters - Fair Pay Now
When: Wednesday, 29 October 2025, 11:30am
Where: Assemble at Victoria Trades Hall, march to Parliament House
Note: The latest VPSC data from June 2024 shows the overall public sector gender pay gap has continued to widen to 10.1%, suggesting the trend for Forestry Field Staff may have worsened further.
Media Contact:
SASHA DOUGHERTY
AWU Communications Manager
0438 498 305
[email protected]