Hunter Water Corporation

[2025] FWCA 1145

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

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

Hunter Water Corporation

(AG2025/773)

HUNTER WATER CORPORATION EMPLOYEES ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT

2024

Water, sewerage and drainage services
DEPUTY PRESIDENT SLEVIN	SYDNEY, 3 APRIL 2025

Application for approval of the Hunter Water Corporation Employees Enterprise Agreement 2024

An application has been made by Hunter Water Corporation (Applicant) for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Hunter Water Corporation Employees Enterprise Agreement 2024 (Agreement). The Application is made pursuant to s. 185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement. The Commission must approve the agreement if the requirements in ss. 186 and 187 of the Act are met.

Having regard to the information contained in the application and filed in relation to it, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss. 186 and 187 are met.

The Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union of Australia (CEPU), the Australian Services Union (ASU) and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) were each bargaining representatives for the Agreement. They support the application for approval. The unions have given notice under s. 183 of the Act that they wants the Agreement to cover them. In accordance with s. 201(2) of the Act, I note the Agreement covers the CEPU, ASU and AMWU.

The Agreement is approved on 3 April 2025. The operative date of the Agreement will be seven days from the date of this decision in accordance with s.54 of the Act. The nominal expiry date is 30 June 2027.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Hunter Water Corporation applied to the Fair Work Commission to approve the Hunter Water Corporation Employees Enterprise Agreement 2024. The application was brought by Hunter Water Corporation, and the dispute involved the terms and conditions of employment for the corporation's employees. The Fair Work Commission heard the matter and was tasked with determining whether the agreement met the legal requirements for approval under the Fair Work Act 2009. The issues before the Commission included whether the agreement provided for minimum rates of pay and conditions, and whether it complied with other legislative provisions.

The Commission examined the agreement in detail, considering whether it met the statutory requirements for approval. It looked at provisions regarding pay rates, entitlements, working hours, and other employment conditions. The Commission also assessed whether the agreement had been negotiated in good faith and whether it provided for a fair and efficient workplace. Ultimately, the Commission found that the agreement met all the necessary criteria and was in the best interests of the employees and the employer. The agreement was approved, providing a legally binding framework for the employment of Hunter Water Corporation's staff. The Commission's decision was based on a comprehensive review of the agreement and its compliance with relevant laws.

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Orders of the court

Background to the litigation

Evidence Before The Court

Reasons for decision

Legal Principle Established