Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said letters were being prepared to all complainants – including Illawarra firefighters – to advise them of the outcome of the review.

The investigation was launched in October last year after firefighters from the Illawarra and across NSW contacted the Mercury with signed statutory declarations detailing their allegations.

They ranged from allegations of discrimination and intimidation to sexual harassment and bullying.

While Mr Elliott refused to conduct a full parliamentary inquiry, he agreed to the independent investigation.

Shellharbour MP Anna Watson announced in Parliament that Commissioner Greg Mullins had agreed to the fresh probe. She described it at the time as a breakthrough for more than a dozen men and women whose ‘’disturbing allegations’’ had fallen on deaf ears.

This week Mr Elliott told the Mercury: “Given the report contains confidential and sensitive information about the complainants and FRNSW staff members, I do not consider it appropriate to release the report.”

Ms Watson said she hoped the review would draw a line under ‘’some very disturbing allegations of bullying and harassment claims within Fire &Rescue NSW’’.

“I understand that some of the individuals whose cases have been reviewed will be satisfied with the outcome, while others may not be,’’ she said.

“The bottom line is that every employee in the private and public sector are entitled to work free from any bullying and harassment.

“I note the review identified several issues where Fire & Rescue NSW needs to lift its game. I expect that the Commissioner will address and rectify those areas noted by the review, which need to be reformed.”

Justice Roger Boland, former president of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, was appointed to conduct a ‘’re-assessment of each claim’’ made by past and present officers.