Your association for firefighters
SOPAA - the Sworn Officers' Professional Association of Australia - represents firefighters and other sworn officers across Australia with the same real, practical support as every other member.
We have a seat at the table
In Victoria, CEOs, boards, chief officers, commissioners and governments have come and gone, and firefighters deserve a voice that lasts. Red Union is legally structured to represent firefighters at the negotiating table, and we have a seat. Firefighters are free to choose who represents them.
With experience across multiple sectors, Red Union brings industrial skills and established relationships with the government sector to the table. We will not be bullied, and we will not become the bully.
Red Union's efforts are dedicated to working for firefighters. Our constitution is designed so that no individual or select group can benefit from decision-making for their own personal gain.
Join Red Union now
Workplace protection
Through SOPAA's affiliation with the Red Union Support Hub (RUSH), you have an industrial support team behind you on workplace issues including Enterprise Bargaining, pay disputes, internal disputes, bullying and more.
Where a matter needs a lawyer, RUSH may pay for one in line with its terms of service, which set out what is and isn't covered.
Critical Incident Hotline
SOPAA has partnered with Jahnke Lawyers to provide a 24-hour Critical Incident Hotline for SOPAA members involved in any criminal-related incident, such as a shooting, death in custody or an accident during a pursuit. Jahnke Lawyers have the knowledge and resources to advise you on your rights and protections under the law.
View hotline numbers and what to do
Membership for firefighters and affiliate options
RUSH applies on your behalf to SOPAA (LTD), SOPAA Inc and various sister organisations, so you are joined to each one that provides your membership benefits.
Only working firefighters and other sworn officers in other industries may hold the status of Member. Non-working members cannot vote or become a delegate.
Affiliates are entitled to the same legal backup and support services as Members; the only limitation is that they cannot vote, become a delegate, or gain voting rights for the Association.
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Enterprise bargaining and working condition advocacy
- Skilled negotiation of Enterprise Agreements.
- Advocacy on workplace policy, procedures and system change.
- Advocating for workplace change by applying pressure to governments and employers through the media or political system.
SOPAA Inc Legal Defence Fund
The SOPAA Inc Legal Defence Fund is a fund levied in addition to your regular subscription fee to RUSH. Given the elevated risk of the profession and the regular involvement of the courts in SOPAA Inc matters, this temporary levy is collected alongside your subscription fee.
This helps keep legal funding available if you need it. The fund will continue to grow until it reaches its cap, at which point it will no longer be levied to members.
Zero party politics
No member funds can be used for any party-political purpose or to support any political party.
SOPAA focuses on its members' workplace interests. Every officer is free to choose who represents them. If you would rather your fees did not fund the ALP, join SOPAA today.
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Firefighters and sworn officers across Australia - see which services are available, or book a no-obligation call.