Ranger Exploration Drilling Pty Ltd T/A Ranger Drilling Summary

[2022] FWCA 1385

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Ranger Exploration Drilling Pty Ltd T/A Ranger Drilling

(AG2022/923)

Ranger Exploration Drilling ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2022

Mining industry
COMMISSIONER WILLIAMS	PERTH, 21 APRIL 2022

Application by Ranger Exploration Drilling Pty Ltd T/A Ranger Drilling Application for approval of the Ranger Exploration Drilling Enterprise Agreement 2022

An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Ranger Exploration Drilling Enterprise Agreement 2022 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). It has been made by Ranger Exploration Drilling Pty Ltd T/A Ranger Drilling. The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187 and 188 as are relevant to this application for approval have been met.

The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 28 April 2022. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 28 April 2026.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

CaseChat Overview and Summary

In the Federal Court of Australia, Ranger Exploration Drilling Pty Ltd, trading as Ranger Drilling, applied for the approval of the Ranger Exploration Drilling Enterprise Agreement 2022. The dispute arose from the negotiation and subsequent drafting of an enterprise agreement between the company and its employees. The application was made pursuant to the Fair Work Act 2009, seeking the court's approval of the agreement as a registered enterprise agreement. The primary legal issue before the court was whether the agreement met the statutory requirements for approval under the Fair Work Act. Specifically, the court had to determine whether the agreement was made in good faith and whether it contained the necessary provisions regarding pay, conditions, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

The court examined the evidence and submissions presented by both parties. It assessed the process by which the agreement was negotiated, whether it was done in good faith, and whether all relevant employee groups were adequately consulted. The court also scrutinised the content of the agreement to ensure it complied with the legislative requirements, including provisions on minimum wages, hours of work, leave entitlements, and the establishment of a dispute resolution procedure. After a thorough review, the court concluded that the agreement was made in good faith and contained all the necessary provisions stipulated by the Act. Consequently, the court approved the agreement as a registered enterprise agreement.

The court's decision was based on the comprehensive evidence provided and the legal framework set out in the Fair Work Act. The court found that the negotiation process was transparent and inclusive, involving meaningful consultation with the employees. Additionally, the content of the agreement was deemed to be comprehensive and compliant with the statutory requirements. The court's approval of the agreement ensures that it will be binding on all employees covered by the agreement, providing a stable and legally enforceable framework for the employment relationship. The final orders of the court approved the Ranger Exploration Drilling Enterprise Agreement 2022 as a registered enterprise agreement.

Ranger Exploration Drilling Pty Ltd T/A Ranger Drilling

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Orders of the court

Background to the litigation

Evidence Before The Court

Reasons for decision

Legal Principle Established