Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union v Keolis Downer Hunter Pty Ltd

Case [2025] FWC 3181


[2025] FWC 3181

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.459 - Application to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by protected action ballot

Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union

v

Keolis Downer Hunter Pty Ltd

(B2025/1611)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT WRIGHT

SYDNEY, 23 OCTOBER 2025

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2025/1362.

  1. This matter concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot PR791298 held in matter B2025/1362 and declared on 15 September 2025.

  1. The Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union has made an application pursuant to s.459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by the relevant protected action ballot.

  1. Section 459(3) of the Act provides as follows:

“(3) The FWC may extend the 30-day period referred to in subparagraph (1)(d)(i) by up to 30 days if:

(a) an applicant for the protected action ballot order applies to the FWC for the period to be extended; and

(b)     the period has not previously been extended.”

  1. The application contends that each of the relevant requirements have been met and that the period should be extended by a further 30 days from the expiry of the original 30 days.

  1. Keolis Downer Hunter Pty Ltd has not advised the Commission of any objection to this application.

  1. I am satisfied that the relevant requirements of the Act have been met and that the application should be granted.

  1. Accordingly, pursuant to section 459(3) of the Act, I order that the 30 day period for the commencement of protected industrial action for eligible employees who were subject to the ballot and are employed by the Employer be extended by a further 30 days.

  1. This order will operate on and from 23 October 2025.


DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR792945 >

Details
AGLC
Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union v Keolis Downer Hunter Pty Ltd [2025] FWC 3181
Case
[2025] FWC 3181
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union has applied to the Fair Work Commission for an extension of the 30-day period during which industrial action can be authorised by a protected action ballot. The application pertains to the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot held in relation to Keolis Downer Hunter Pty Ltd. The union argues that the 30-day period should be extended by an additional 30 days, as permitted by section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009.

The legal issue before the Deputy President was whether the requirements of section 459(3) of the Act were satisfied, which would allow for the extension of the 30-day period. The union's application stated that the period had not been previously extended, and Keolis Downer Hunter Pty Ltd had not objected to the application. The Deputy President concluded that the union had met the requirements of the Act and granted the application for an extension of the 30-day period.

The Fair Work Commission granted the application, extending the 30-day period by an additional 30 days. This extension will commence on 23 October 2025. The Deputy President ordered that the 30-day period for the commencement of protected industrial action for eligible employees employed by Keolis Downer Hunter Pty Ltd be extended by a further 30 days. This decision allows the union to pursue industrial action in accordance with the protected action ballot within the extended period.

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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