Southern Cross Care (Qld) Pty Ltd T/A Southern Cross Care Qld

[2024] FWCA 2514

[2024] FWCA 2514

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Southern Cross Care (Qld) Pty Ltd T/A Southern Cross Care Qld

(AG2024/2318)

SOUTHERN CROSS CARE (QLD) AND QNMU – NURSES ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2024

Aged care industry
DEPUTY PRESIDENT DOBSON	BRISBANE, 5 JULY 2024

Application for approval of the Southern Cross Care (QLD) and QNMU – Nurses Enterprise Agreement 2024

1. An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Southern Cross Care (QLD) and QNMU – Nurses Enterprise Agreement 2024 (the Agreement). The Application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). It has been made by Southern Cross Care (QLD) Pty Ltd T/A Southern Cross Care Qld (the Applicant). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

1. The Applicant has provided written undertakings. I am satisfied that the undertakings will not cause financial detriment to any employee covered by the Agreement and that the undertakings will not result in substantial changes to the Agreement.

1. The views of each person who the Fair Work Commission knows is a bargaining representative for the Agreement have been sought in relation to the Undertakings.

1. Pursuant to s.190(3) of the Act, I accept the undertakings.

1. Subject to the undertakings referred to above, having regard to the Statement of Principles,[1] on the basis of the material contained in the application and accompanying declarations, I am satisfied that each requirement of ss186, 187 and 188 as are relevant to this application for approval have been met. The undertakings are 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 11.3 – Notice of Termination by Employees.

·   Clause 32.5 – Public Holidays.

However, noting clause 6 of the Agreement, I am satisfied the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.

1. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation/Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union (QNMU) lodged a Form F18 statutory declaration giving notice under s.183 of the Act that it wants the Agreement to cover it. In accordance with s.201(2) of the Act, I note the Agreement covers the QNMU.

1. The Agreement is approved and will operate in accordance with s.54 of the Act. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 31 August 2027.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

[1] Fair Work (Statement of Principles on Genuine Agreement) Instrument 2023.

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