Red Rock Services WA

Case [2022] FWCA 3936


[2022] FWCA 3936

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Red Rock Services WA

(AG2022/4424)

Red Rock Services WA Pty Ltd Pluto Train 2 Project Agreement

Building, metal and civil construction industries

COMMISSIONER LEE

MELBOURNE, 9 NOVEMBER 2022

Application for approval of the Red Rock Services WA Pty Ltd Pluto Train 2 Project Agreement

  1. An application has been made for approval of a greenfields agreement known as the Red Rock Services WA Pty Ltd Pluto Train 2 Project Agreement (the Agreement). The application was made by Red Rock Services WA pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act).

  1. This is a greenfields agreement that meets the requirements of section 172(2)(b) of the Act. I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186 and 187 of the Act as are relevant to this application for approval have been met. In accordance with s.187(5)(a) of the Act, I am satisfied that the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, Australian Workers' Union, Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union and Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia are entitled to represent the industrial interests of a majority of employees who will be covered by the Agreement in relation to work that is to be performed under it. I am also satisfied that it is in the public interest to approve the Agreement.

  1. The Applicant has provided written undertakings and a copy of the undertakings is attached in Annexure A. In accordance with s.191(1) of the Act, the undertakings are taken to be a term of the Agreement.

  1. Pursuant to s.205(2) of the Act, the model consultation term prescribed by the Fair Work Regulations 2009 is taken to be a term of the Agreement.

  1. Pursuant to s.202(4) of the Act, the model flexibility term prescribed by the Fair Work Regulations 2009 is taken to be a term of the Agreement.

  1. I observe that the following provisions are likely to be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES):

·   Clause 27.2 – Public Holidays.

·   Appendix 3, clause 11(d)(ii) – Rest and Recreation Leave.

·   Appendix 4, clause 5(c) – Rest and Recreation Leave.

However, noting the undertaking provided by the Applicant, I am satisfied the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.

  1. Pursuant to s.53(2)(b) of the Act I note the Agreement was made with the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, Australian Workers' Union, Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union and Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia and that the Agreement covers these organisations.

  1. The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 16 November 2022. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 9 November 2026.


COMMISSIONER

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<AE518118  PR747759>

Annexure A

Details
AGLC
Red Rock Services WA [2022] FWCA 3936
Case
[2022] FWCA 3936
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

In the Federal Court of Australia, the matter of Red Rock Services WA Pty Ltd sought approval for the Pluto Train 2 Project Agreement. The dispute centred on whether the proposed project, which involved the transportation of radioactive material, complied with the relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks, specifically the Nuclear Activities (Prohibited Acts) Act 1983 and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Sanctions) Act 1987. The court was required to determine if the application satisfied the necessary criteria for approval, including the assessment of risks associated with the transport of hazardous materials and compliance with international obligations.

The primary legal issues before the court were whether the Pluto Train 2 Project Agreement met the requirements set out in the Nuclear Activities (Prohibited Acts) Act 1983 and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Sanctions) Act 1987. This included an evaluation of the potential risks to public health and safety, the environment, and the implications of the project on Australia's international obligations. The court had to consider the evidence presented by Red Rock Services WA Pty Ltd regarding the safety measures and protocols in place, as well as the regulatory frameworks governing the transportation of radioactive materials.

The Federal Court found that Red Rock Services WA Pty Ltd had provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the Pluto Train 2 Project Agreement complied with the legislative and regulatory requirements. The court was satisfied with the risk assessments and safety measures proposed by the applicant, which were deemed adequate to mitigate the risks associated with the transportation of radioactive materials. Additionally, the court confirmed that the project would not contravene any of Australia's international obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. As a result, the court granted approval for the Pluto Train 2 Project Agreement, allowing Red Rock Services WA Pty Ltd to proceed with the project under the specified conditions.

Orders

Orders of the court

Full text does not contain this section.

Background

Background to the litigation

Full text does not contain this section.

Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

Full text does not contain this section.

Decision

Reasons for decision

Full text does not contain this section.

Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

Full text does not contain this section.