Record illegal fireworks reports prompt Australia Day warning
10 Mar 2025•BlueSafe Team•Source: SafeWork NSW
SafeWork NSW recorded more than 180 reports of illegal fireworks use across the state on New Year’s Eve, its highest recorded number. The regulator is continuing compliance and fireworks verification measures ahead of Australia Day events.
People involved in selling, buying, storing, transporting or discharging fireworks without authorisation face fines of up to $27,500 and 12 months in prison. SafeWork NSW works with the NSW Police Force on community safety.
SafeWork NSW regulates licensing for the import, supply, storage, manufacture, transport and use of fireworks. Anyone carrying out these activities must hold a licence.
Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin warned that unlicensed fireworks handling could injure both those handling them and others. He said only people with a current NSW pyrotechnician or single use licence were authorised to handle fireworks.
The regulator also highlighted the need to manage risks from environmental factors and maintain access for emergency services. Licensed operators must set up exclusion zones for each display that meet the Operational conditions for pyrotechnicians and single use fireworks licences.
Before a display, licence holders must notify authorities, including the NSW Police Force, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service and the local council. Members of the public can use the Fireworks display search to find displays across NSW.
SafeWork NSW encouraged anyone with information about illegal fireworks use or sales to report it immediately to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50, or through the Speak Up Saves Lives app. Further explosives and fireworks safety information is available on the regulator’s website.
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