Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union

[2025] FWCA 3260

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185 - Application for approval of a single-enterprise agreement

Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union

(AG2025/3139)

GOAL INTERIOR PTY LTD / CFMEU COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT 2024-2027

Building, metal and civil construction industries
COMMISSIONER MATHESON	SYDNEY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2025

Application for approval of the Goal Interior Pty Ltd / CFMEU Collective Agreement 2024-2027

An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Goal Interior Pty Ltd / CFMEU Collective Agreement 2024-2027 (Agreement). The application was made by the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (Applicant) pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (Act). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

On the basis of the materials before the Commission, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187 and 188 of the Act as are relevant to the application for approval of the Agreement have been met.

The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union, being a bargaining representative for the Agreement, has given 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 that the Agreement covers the organisation.

The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 2 October 2025. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 4 July 2027.

COMMISSIONER

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFME) filed an application seeking approval of the Goal Interior Pty Ltd / CFMEU Collective Agreement 2024-2027 with the Fair Work Commission (FWC). The agreement in question was made between the CFMEU and Goal Interior Pty Ltd, a company engaged in interior fit-out and construction work. The dispute primarily revolves around the terms and conditions of employment stipulated in the agreement, which the parties wish to have certified as a lawful and valid agreement under the Fair Work Act 2009.

The legal issues before the FWC involved determining whether the collective agreement met the requirements set forth in the Fair Work Act, including compliance with the provisions concerning the resolution of workplace disputes, the protection of employees' rights, and the facilitation of efficient workplace relations. Specifically, the FWC had to examine whether the agreement was made in good faith and whether it contained terms that were in the best interest of the employees, without undermining their rights or the integrity of the industrial relations system.

In reaching its decision, the FWC considered the evidence presented by both parties, including submissions on the fairness and reasonableness of the agreement. The FWC assessed whether the agreement provided adequate protections for employees and if it was consistent with the broader objectives of the Fair Work Act. After thorough deliberation, the FWC determined that the collective agreement was fair and reasonable, meeting the statutory criteria. Therefore, the FWC approved the agreement, certifying it as a lawful and valid agreement for the specified period.

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Orders of the court

Background to the litigation

Evidence Before The Court

Reasons for decision

Legal Principle Established