| [2025] FWC 3062 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order
Health Services Union
v
Genesis Cancer Care WA Pty Limited Trading As Genesiscare
(B2025/1573)
| DEPUTY PRESIDENT WRIGHT | SYDNEY, 13 OCTOBER 2025 |
Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Genesis Cancer Care WA Pty Ltd – non-AEC ballot electronic voting
This is an application by the WA branch of the Health Services Union (HSU or Applicant) made under s.437 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) for a protected action ballot order in relation to certain employees of Genesis Cancer Care WA Pty Limited (GenesisCare or Employer).
On 10 October 2025, the Commission was advised that the Employer, in effect, did not object to the Application.
In the circumstances, I have decided to determine the matter on the papers without holding a hearing.
On the basis of the material before me, including the declaration of Jason Walters, Private Sector Coordinator, setting out the steps taken by the HSU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with GenesisCare, I am satisfied that there is a notification time in relation to the proposed agreement and that all of the requirements in s.443(1) of the Act have been met.
The ballot is to be conducted by Vero Engagement & Voting Solutions Pty Ltd (Vero Voting). Vero Voting has been approved as an eligible protected action ballot agent under s.468A of the Act and consequently is authorised to conduct the ballot.
For the purposes of s.443(3)(c) of the Act, the Commission has determined that the date by which voting is to close is 27 October 2025.[1] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.
An Order has been separately issued in PR792607.
This matter will be assigned to another Member of the Commission to conduct the s.448A compulsory conciliation conference. That Member will issue an Order requiring the attendance of all bargaining representatives in the proposed enterprise agreement at the conference. It is likely that Directions will also be issued to ensure that the parties attend the conference ready to conduct meaningful negotiations.
DEPUTY PRESIDENT
[1] The date sought in the application was 24 October 2025 which is 10 working days from the date of the application. This has been adjusted to 27 October 2025 which is 10 working days from the date of the Order.
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
<PR792608>
- AGLC
- Health Services Union v Genesis Cancer Care WA Pty Limited Trading as Genesiscare [2025] FWC 3062
- Case
- [2025] FWC 3062
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The legal issues in this case revolved around whether the HSU met the statutory requirements to conduct a protected action ballot. This included verifying that the HSU had genuinely attempted to reach an agreement with GenesisCare, that the notification period was correctly set, and that all procedural requirements under the Fair Work Act were met. Additionally, the court had to determine an appropriate closing date for the ballot, considering the statutory time frame and the employer's non-objection to the application.
The Deputy President Wright found that the HSU had satisfied all the necessary conditions to conduct a protected action ballot. The Commission approved the proposed ballot by Vero Voting, a certified agent, and set the closing date for the ballot as 27 October 2025, ensuring it was within the required timeframe. The decision also included assigning another member of the Commission to conduct a compulsory conciliation conference under section 448A of the Act, ensuring that all bargaining representatives attended ready for meaningful negotiations.
The Fair Work Commission issued an order granting the HSU's application for a protected action ballot. The ballot was set to close on 27 October 2025, and a separate order was issued to require the attendance of all bargaining representatives at a compulsory conciliation conference. The conference aimed to facilitate further negotiations between the HSU and GenesisCare, with directions to be issued to ensure the parties were prepared for meaningful discussions.
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
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Ratio Decidendi
Legal Principle Established
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