| [2019] FWC 717 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| STATEMENT |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.156 – 4 yearly review of modern awards
4 yearly review of modern awards–Award stage–Substantive Issues
(AM2014/1 and others)
| JUSTICE ROSS, PRESIDENT | MELBOURNE, 6 FEBRUARY 2019 |
4 yearly review of modern awards – award stage – substantive issues.
This Statement deals with substantive claims made as part of the 4 yearly review of modern awards (the Review). On 24 December 2018 I issued a Statement[1] providing an update about the status of a number of Full Benches dealing with substantive claims as part of the Review. Interested parties were provided an opportunity to comment on a provisional timetable attached to the December Statement which set out when specific matters may be timetabled in 2019. Three submissions were received in response, from the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group), the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers Association Limited (NATSIHWA).
NATSIHWA’s response of 30 January 2019[2] stated that they have a number of substantial claims in relation to the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Award 2010 (the Aboriginal Community Health Award). These claims are being heard in AM2018/12. NATSIHWA state that their evidence will involve at least 6 witnesses and it is anticipated their claims will be opposed, NATSIHWA advised that:
· the parties would be assisted by a directions hearing to confirm the timetable for filing and service of evidence and submissions
· the provisional timetable which indicates a hearing in April 2019 is unlikely to provide sufficient time to facilitate; and
· a hearing around late July 2019 would be more appropriate.
The timetable will be amended to indicate a hearing in July 2019 for AM2018/12. A programming mention will be listed in due course.
In its submission of 18 January 2019[3] Ai Group noted that:
· the program regarding the Air Pilots Award 2010 (AM2018/14) had been finalised; and
· a decision regarding the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2010 (AM2017/50) had been issued and further submissions are to be filed and on that basis this matter should be added to the timetable.
These amendments will be made to the timetable.
The HIA filed a submission on 16 January 2019[4] drawing the Commission’s attention to an outstanding claim in relation to payment of wages in the Building and Construction Onsite Award 2010. The claim in question forms part of the payment of wages common issue. Common issue matters were not originally included in the provisional timetable, however in light of this submission any dates for 2019 for the payment of wages common issue will be added to the timetable.
The timetable will be finalised and published on the Commission’s website, having regard to the submissions received. The timetable will be updated throughout 2019.
As mentioned in the December Statement, programming mentions will be scheduled prior to directions being issued in any of the matters in the substantive matters timetable.
PRESIDENT
<PR704621>
ATTACHMENT A
Link to finalised 2019 timetable
[1] [2018] FWC 7869
[2] Submission, NATSHIWA, 30 January 2019
[3] Submission, Ai Group, 19 January 2019
[4]
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
- AGLC
- 4 Yearly Review of Modern awards-Award stage-Substantive Issues [2019] FWC 717
- Case
- [2019] FWC 717
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The legal issues before the FWC involved the determination of appropriate timetables for various substantive claims within the scope of the 4 yearly review of modern awards. The Commission needed to consider the submissions from the different parties, assess the complexity and scope of the claims, and ensure that the timetables provided sufficient time for the filing and service of evidence and submissions. Furthermore, the Commission had to balance the need for timely resolution of the claims with the practicalities of scheduling and programming mentions.
The FWC, under President Justice Ross, carefully reviewed the submissions from NATSIHWA, Ai Group, and HIA, and made necessary adjustments to the provisional timetable. NATSIHWA's request for a later hearing date in July 2019 was granted, while the inclusion of the Air Pilots Award 2010 and Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2010 was also accommodated. The Commission also decided to include dates for the payment of wages common issue, ensuring that all relevant claims would be addressed within the review process. The finalised timetable, with ongoing updates, will be published on the Commission's website, and programming mentions will be scheduled prior to directions being issued in the substantive matters.
The final orders of the Commission included the adjustment of the timetable for the 4 yearly review of modern awards to reflect the submissions from NATSIHWA, Ai Group, and HIA. The timetable now includes a hearing for NATSIHWA's claims in July 2019, the Air Pilots Award 2010 and Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2010, and dates for the payment of wages common issue. The timetable will continue to be updated throughout 2019, with programming mentions scheduled prior to directions being issued in any of the matters in the substantive matters timetable.
Orders
Orders of the court
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Background
Background to the litigation
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Evidence
Evidence Before The Court
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Decision
Reasons for decision
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Ratio Decidendi
Legal Principle Established
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