Annual fire safety statements in NSW: what building owners must do

What is an annual fire safety statement?

An annual fire safety statement (AFSS) is the yearly declaration that a building's essential fire safety measures have been assessed and are performing as required. NSW Planning describes a fire safety statement as a document issued by or on behalf of the owner of an existing building, and says annual statements must be issued each year.¹ The statement covers the measures on the building's fire safety schedule, such as exit lighting, fire doors, extinguishers, hose reels and detection systems, and confirms that an accredited practitioner (fire safety) has assessed each one.^{1, 2}

Fire safety schedule

The list of a building's essential fire safety measures. Since 1 August 2023 new schedules must use the NSW Government template; existing buildings keep their current schedule unless a new one is needed.¹

Essential fire safety measure

A fire safety system or item listed on the schedule, for example an exit sign, a fire door or a hose reel.

Supplementary fire safety statement

A statement for critical fire safety measures, issued at more regular intervals as specified in the fire safety schedule.¹

Fire safety certificate

The certificate issued when fire safety measures are first certified. Council guidance says the first annual statement is then due within 12 months of that certificate, and later statements within 12 months of the previous one.⁴

Accredited practitioner (fire safety), or APFS

The person accredited to assess fire safety measures for statements. The scheme is run by FPA Australia and was approved in July 2020.¹

Who has to give an annual fire safety statement?

The building owner. NSW Planning says the statement is issued by or on behalf of the owner,¹ and council guidance stresses that the duty stays with the owner even when an agent handles the paperwork.³ In a strata scheme the owners corporation is normally the owner for this purpose, and the strata manager usually coordinates the process. Councils also note the duty applies whether the building is tenanted or vacant.⁹

How often is it due, and when must inspections happen?

• Every year. Councils describe the due date as within 12 months of the previous statement, or of the fire safety certificate for a newly certified building.^{3, 4}
• Inspections inside a three-month window. FPA Australia's guide says all on-site inspection dates must fall within three months of lodgement, and Shoalhaven City Council says inspections must be done in the three months before the statement is issued.^{2, 4}
• Plan backwards from the due date. Our advice: book routine servicing and any repairs well ahead, so the assessor's visit can fall inside the window without pushing the lodgement date.

Who can assess the measures?

An accredited practitioner (fire safety). Where FPA Australia's scheme covers a function, only practitioners it has accredited can perform it.¹ FPA Australia's good practice guide adds practical detail:²

• The assessor must inspect and verify in person. Another technician's report can support the decision but cannot be the only basis.
• For large numbers of identical items, such as smoke alarms or fire doors, the assessor may inspect fewer than 100 per cent after a documented risk assessment.
• An owner can engage more than one assessor, for example when one practitioner is not competent in every measure on the schedule.
• A fire protection service provider can also be the assessor where the necessary competence is demonstrated.

Routine servicing under AS 1851 is a different job and does not need an APFS. See our guide to AS 1851 from 13 February 2026.⁷

Who signs the statement?

The owner or the owner's agent signs the declaration. FPA Australia's guide says the person signing must not be the assessor listed on the statement, or that assessor's employer, employee or direct associate; the assessor completes only the assessment sections.² Use the NSW Government fire safety statement template, and list the measures from the building's previous statement.^{1, 3}

How to get an annual fire safety statement: step by step

1. Find the paperwork. Locate the current fire safety schedule and your last statement. If the schedule is missing, ask your council or certifier to reissue it.
2. Service the equipment. Arrange routine servicing and fix defects, so each measure is in working order before assessment.
3. Engage the assessor. Book an accredited practitioner (fire safety), or more than one, to inspect each measure inside the three-month window.
4. Sign the declaration. The owner or agent signs the NSW template once the assessment is complete.
5. Lodge it. Give the statement and schedule to your council, and a copy to Fire and Rescue NSW through its online form.⁸
6. Display and keep records. Display the statement and current schedule prominently in the building, and keep the supporting service records.³

Where do I lodge it?

With both your local council and Fire and Rescue NSW, and each council runs its own lodgement route. Some take statements through an online portal, others by email, post or in person. Our council-by-council lodgement guide covers the Illawarra, Southern Sydney, Macarthur, Southern Highlands and South Coast councils.⁸

What if the statement will be late?

Failing to provide a statement on time is an offence. Georges River Council says it can issue weekly penalty notices and take court action, with a maximum penalty of $110,000.³ Campbelltown and Camden councils report weekly notices of $1,000, $2,000, $3,000 and then $4,000.^{5, 6}

If you cannot make the date, ask early. Georges River Council accepts a stay of penalty notice application at least two weeks before the due date,³ Shoalhaven City Council asks for extension requests more than three weeks ahead with evidence and a completion date,⁴ and Camden Council notes that an application does not automatically extend the due date.⁶ Councils may decline requests where compliance history is poor.³

What does an annual fire safety statement cost?

It depends on the building: how many measures are on the schedule, how many floors and devices there are, how many assessors are needed and the condition of the equipment. Councils also charge their own administration fees. Sutherland Shire Council, for example, sets a fire safety administration fee payable on the due date, and Shoalhaven City Council charges for submissions and for overdue notices.^{9, 4} Ask for a quote based on your fire safety schedule and last statement rather than an average price.

Where Southern Fire Protection fits

We inspect, test and service fire extinguishers, hose reels, fire blankets, emergency and exit lighting and fire and smoke doors, and keep a record of every visit. We arrange the accredited practitioner your statement needs and supply our service records for the equipment we look after. The owner still signs and lodges the statement. Ask for a quote and tell us your building's fire safety schedule.