The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission review into Ambulance Victoria outlined the need for AV to review the rolled in rate to ensure greater roster flexibility and equity across the service.
The AVEA (Operational Agreement) expires in October 2028, with negotiations commencing in October 2027. Ambulance Victoria seeks to resolve the RIR prior to commencement of bargaining.
In anticipation of this work being undertaken, the union has brought together a RIR Working Group of operation staff across the organisation to discuss the RIR. The first Working Group meeting was held on 9 February.
What Members Are Saying:
Superannuation is a major concern. Members raised serious concerns about the financial impact any RIR changes would have on superannuation entitlements, particularly for long-serving staff. Preliminary calculations suggest some members could be significantly disadvantaged under a changed model, and any shift away from the RIR would likely require legislative change to protect super contributions.
Leave entitlements are also at risk. Under the current RIR, members maintain a solid income during annual leave, long service leave, and sick leave. Any move away from this model could leave members worse off when they need to take time away from work.
Not everyone wants the same thing. Members on Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) or casual contracts may see some appeal in an alternative arrangement, particularly where penalty rates for weekends and unsociable hours could be more transparently applied. However, long-term full-time staff are far less likely to support change without significant compensation or protection. The question of whether different cohorts could be treated differently or grandfathered under existing arrangements was raised.
Members want more information from AV. Before engaging meaningfully with roster reform, members want Ambulance Victoria to clearly communicate its objectives and current plans. Access to data about where and when shifts are being dropped would also help members contribute informed feedback.
The bottom line. Members were united on one point: any changes to the RIR must leave the workforce no worse off financially. That is the non-negotiable starting position.