Rain Bird (Australia) Pty Ltd T/A Rain Bird Australia

[2024] FWCFB 374

[2024] FWCFB 374 [Note: A copy of the zombie agreement to which this decision relates (AC324088) is available on our website.]

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2009

Sch. 3, Item 20A(4) - Application to extend default period for agreement-based transitional instruments

Rain Bird (Australia) Pty Ltd T/A Rain Bird Australia

(AG2024/2393)

RAIN BIRD COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT 2009

Manufacturing and associated industries

DEPUTY PRSIDENT WRIGHT

DEPUTY PRESDIENT ROBERTS

DEPUTY PRESIDENT SLEVIN

SYDNEY, 17 SEPTEMBER 2024

Application to extend the default period for Rain Bird Collective Agreement 2009

1. Rain Bird (Australia) Pty Ltd T/A Rain Bird Australia (the Applicant) has applied to extend the default period for the Rain Bird Collective Agreement 2009 (Agreement) pursuant to subitem 20A(4) of Sch 3 to the Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2009 (Cth). 

1. An earlier application was made to extend the default period of the Agreement. In a decision issued on 21 March 2024 the Full Bench considered that the requirements in subitem 20A(6)(a) were met and it was appropriate in the circumstances to extend the Agreement. The Full Bench ordered that the default period for the Agreement be extended until 30 June 2024 to allow time for a replacement agreement to be made and approved.[1]

1. The current application, lodged on 28 June 2024, seeks to extend the Agreement until 31 August 2024, or the date which is 7 days after the Applicant’s new enterprise agreement is approved by the Fair Work Commission. The application was made, in accordance with subitem 20A(4) , on the ground that it is reasonable in the circumstances to extend the default period where an enterprise agreement has been made that covers the same employees covered by the Agreement and an application has been made to have the replacement agreement approved by the Commission under the Fair Work Act 2009. An application to approve the replacement agreement was lodged with the Commission on 6 June 2024. At the time the current application was made, the replacement agreement had not yet been approved by the Commission.   

1. The Commission has since approved the replacement agreement.[2] The replacement agreement commenced operation on 19 August 2024.

1. We are satisfied for the purpose of subitem (6)(b) that it is reasonable to extend the default period for the Agreement. 

1. Pursuant to item 20A(4) of Sch 3 to the Transitional Act, we order that the default period for the Agreement is extended until 19 August 2024.  

1. The Agreement is published, in accordance with subitem 20A(10A)(c), on  the  Fair Work Commission’s website. 

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

[1]  [2024] FWCFB 177

[2] [2024] FWCA 2955

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<AC324088  PR779298>