Emerging Technology Skills Review
Project Timeline
April 2026 – December 2026
Project Overview
The 2025 Public Safety Workforce Insights Report by Public Skills Australia identified operational skills gaps within fire and emergency services in responding effectively and efficiently to emergencies involving emerging technologies. The increasing frequency and complexity of emergencies involving high-powered lithium-ion batteries require skills and knowledge to increase the capability of personnel and to maintain their safety.
This project is focussed on the emerging skill requirements for responding to emergencies and emergency events involving high-powered lithium-ion batteries and Electric Vehicles (EVs). EVs include road vehicles and light electric vehicles such as electric bikes, scooters and other relevant transport devices.
This project builds upon the work led by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) in response to the National Electric Vehicle Strategy (2023).
Benchmarking and Research
Apr 2026 - May 2026
In collaboration with AFAC, an analysis of existing research and doctrine will be conducted. The aim of this stage is to summarise and analyse existing research efforts within this area. To inform this work, engagements with the AFAC Alternative and Renewable Energy Technologies (ARET) Technical Group will be conducted.
Roadshow
Jun 2026 - Jul 2026
During this stage, the working group’s findings were presented to relevant stakeholders for validation. Given the high level of public interest, from both industry and the wider community, this project prioritised in-person engagement with stakeholders. To ensure inclusive participation from stakeholders in regional and remote locations, virtual sessions were also offered.
The validation was conducted through a national roadshow targeting:
- Volunteer and Career Fire Agencies
- Emergency Service Organisations
- United Firefighter Union Representatives
- Relevant Jobs and Skills Councils
- Relevant State and Territory Government Stakeholders
- Registered Training Organisations
- Interested higher education institutions.
These sessions were purposefully designed to collect and validate both skills and knowledge requirements of Fire and Emergency Service agencies concerning new and emerging technologies.
Working Group
Live nowApr 2026 - Aug 2026
This stage saw the development of a Working Group to guide the Skills Review. This group helped determined the breadth, depth and relevance of skills required within Fire and Emergency Services.
You can view the Stakeholder Insights Summary interim report linked on this page.
Finalisation
Jul 2026 - Dec 2026
During this stage, the Skills Review report will be finalised, summarising the project’s key findings and recommendations. The report will highlight opportunities to update specific areas of the PUA Public Safety Training Package.
Project Timeline