CANBERRA, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a compensation scheme for volunteer firefighters in New South Wales (NSW).

In a statement released on Sunday, Morrison announced that NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers who are self-employed or work for small or medium-sized companies will be able to apply for up to 6,000 Australian dollars (4,189 U.S. dollars) in compensation from the government.

"While I know RFS volunteers don't seek payment for their service, I don't want to see volunteers or their families unable to pay bills or struggle financially as a result of the selfless contribution they are making," he said.

"This is not about paying volunteers. It is about sustaining our volunteer efforts by protecting them from financial loss," he added.

RFS volunteers who spend 10 days or more fighting fires that have affected much of NSW will be eligible for compensation under the scheme.

Morrison said that Australia's other states and territories can request a similar scheme based on their level of need.

However, opposition party leader Anthony Albanese said that volunteer firefighters from every state should be able to access compensation for their service.