We charge for attendance at unwanted alarm activations to encourage building owners/occupiers to be continually proactive in managing fire alarm systems, thus reducing unwanted alarm activations.

They are empowered to do so under the Fire Services Act 1990 Part 6 Charges for services.

Under the conditions of the Alarm Monitoring Agreement, the charge for attending unwanted alarm activations is made against the applicant for the Agreement (i.e. the building owner). In the 2024-25 financial year, this charge is $1,456.10.

It is important to note that this charge does not cover the actual cost incurred for our attendance at any unwanted alarm activation, but recovers less than the estimated full cost of attending an unwanted alarm activation.

We do not endorse ‘on-charging’ alarm attendance charges to tenants/occupants or contractors, unless the third party has engaged in reckless or negligent behaviour.

Disputing an unwanted alarm activation Invoice

We have introduced a new standardised process for customers who are disputing an unwanted fire alarm attendance charge.  If you believe you have been incorrectly charged for an unwanted alarm attendance at your monitored premises, please complete the application and submit along with any supporting documentation to us within 60 days from the invoice date that appears on the invoice. Please download the OM201 Request to Waive Application.

• All requests must be submitted via the ‘Application to Dispute Unwanted Alarm Activation Invoice’ form. 
• Applications must be submitted by the Account Holder/Owner. Under the Privacy Act 2009, we cannot discuss or provide account details to third parties. 
• All sections of the form must be completed. 
• A scanned version of the onsite Routine Service Record in accordance with AS1851 must be provided (previous 6 months minimum).  
• Evidence and accompanying documentation must be provided where relevant. 

Submitting the Application 

Once completed, application forms should be saved as a PDF and emailed to Financial Operations and Systems Support at QFES.Alarms@qfes.qld.gov.au 

For those premise owner’s experiencing financial hardship:

Economic Hardship Information 

Payment options, such as payment plans, or deferred payments are available. 

For more information, please contact Financial Operations, Alarms and Systems Support. 

Email: FinOps.Systems@qfes.qld.gov.au  

Phone: 07 3145 3701