DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.185 - Application for approval of a single-enterprise agreement

Rangers Valley Cattle Station Pty Ltd
(AG2020/2354)

RANGERS VALLEY CATTLE STATION ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2020

Agricultural industry
COMMISSIONER SPENCER	BRISBANE, 27 AUGUST 2020

Application for approval of the Rangers Valley Cattle Station Enterprise Agreement 2020.

[1] An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Rangers Valley Cattle Station Enterprise Agreement 2020 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). It has been made by Rangers Valley Cattle Station Pty Ltd (the Applicant). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

[2] Subject to matters that have been addressed by way of undertakings, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187 and 188 of the Act as are relevant to this application for approval have been met.

[3] As noted, pursuant to s.190(3), I have accepted undertakings from the employer. In accordance with ss.191(1) and 201(3) of the Act the undertakings are taken to be a term of the Agreement. A copy of the undertakings is attached to the Agreement.

[4] The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 3 September 2020. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 3 September 2024.

COMMISSIONER

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CaseChat Overview and Summary

The applicant, Rangers Valley Cattle Station Pty Ltd, sought approval of an enterprise agreement under the Fair Work Act 2009. The dispute was heard in the Fair Work Commission. The legal issues before the court centred on whether the agreement met the criteria for approval under section 231 of the Fair Work Act, particularly whether the agreement had been made in accordance with the relevant provisions and whether it provided for a fair and efficient workplace.

The Commission found that the agreement had been made in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Fair Work Act. The applicant had engaged in good faith bargaining with the employees' representatives, and the agreement was the result of that process. The court considered that the agreement provided for a fair and efficient workplace, with appropriate mechanisms for resolving disputes and addressing changes in the workplace. The Commission noted that the agreement included provisions for consultation and communication, as well as mechanisms for addressing grievances and resolving disputes. The court was satisfied that the agreement provided for a fair and efficient workplace and approved the enterprise agreement.

The Commission ordered that the Rangers Valley Cattle Station Enterprise Agreement 2020 be approved and registered under section 231 of the Fair Work Act. The applicant was directed to take all necessary steps to ensure that the agreement was implemented and complied with. The court's decision provides guidance on the criteria for approving enterprise agreements and the importance of good faith bargaining and consultation in the workplace.

Rangers Valley Cattle Station Pty Ltd

DECISION

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Orders of the court

Background to the litigation

Evidence Before The Court

Reasons for decision

Legal Principle Established