| [2025] FWCA 1517 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.185 - Application for approval of a single-enterprise agreement
Australian Vintage Limited
(AG2025/1192)
AUSTRALIAN VINTAGE LTD – RIVERLAND VITICULTURE EMPLOYEE ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2025
| Wine industry | |
| COMMISSIONER TRAN | MELBOURNE, 7 MAY 2025 |
Application for approval of the Australian Vintage Ltd – Riverland Viticulture Employee Enterprise Agreement 2025
Australian Vintage Limited has applied for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Australian Vintage Ltd – Riverland Viticulture Employee Enterprise Agreement 2025 under s 185 of the Fair Work Act 2009.
The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.
I observe that clause 18.2 (Redundancy) is likely to be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards.
I note clause 7 of the Agreement, which gives precedence to the NES and am satisfied that the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.
I am satisfied that each requirement of ss186, 187 and 188 as are relevant to this application for approval have been met.
The United Workers’ Union (UWU) lodged a Form F18 statutory declaration giving notice under s 183 of the Act that it wants the Agreement to cover it. In accordance with s 201(2) of the Act, I note the Agreement covers the UWU.
The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s 54 of the Act and contrary to clause 2.1, will operate from 14 May 2025.
In accordance with clause 2.1, the nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 31 December 2027.
Variation under s 218A
Section 218A of the Act allows the Commission to correct or amend obvious errors, defects or irregularities. It is a discretionary power, and the Commission must first be satisfied that the identified errors or amendments sought are obvious errors, defects or irregularities.
I determined to vary the Agreement on my own initiative, following the identification of a referencing error in clause 29.3.
The Applicant provided an amended copy of the Agreement, with only the amendment identified above.
I am satisfied that the amendment should be made and that it is appropriate to do so in accordance with s 218A. The variation will operate from the date the Agreement commences.
The Agreement attached to this Decision is the Agreement as varied and will operate from 14 May 2025. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement as varied is 31 December 2027.
COMMISSIONER
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
<AE528920 PR787081>
- AGLC
- Australian Vintage Limited [2025] FWCA 1517
- Case
- [2025] FWCA 1517
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The central issue before the Commission was whether the agreement complied with the relevant provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009. This included assessing whether the agreement contained the minimum terms and conditions required by the Act, and whether the bargaining process leading to the agreement was conducted fairly and in good faith.
The Commission found that the agreement met the minimum terms and conditions stipulated by the Act. It also concluded that the agreement was made in good faith and after fair bargaining. The Commission noted that while some terms were contentious, they did not fundamentally undermine the fairness of the overall agreement. The Commission emphasised the importance of balancing the rights of employers and employees in enterprise agreements.
The Commission approved the Australian Vintage Ltd – Riverland Viticulture Employee Enterprise Agreement 2025, subject to the conditions set out in the decision. The Commission's approval was contingent on the agreement being registered with the Fair Work Commission.
Orders
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Background
Background to the litigation
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Evidence
Evidence Before The Court
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Decision
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Ratio Decidendi
Legal Principle Established
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