Union members via their union can now make a Request for Financial Hardship Assistance through the ACTU's Bushfire Fund which has been established to provide short-term financial assistance to union members affected by 2019–20 bushfires. To qualify for assistance, a member needs to show that they have lost income as a result of the fires and have been unable to receive adequate compensation from other sources or have otherwise experienced severe financial hardship as a result of the fires. To apply for assistance on behalf of a member, affiliated unions are invited to complete this form. Union members affected by the fires should contact their union. The ACTU will only contact members to arrange transfer of funds if the application is successful.

Sally McManus ACTU Secretary