v Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health Trading as Forensicare

Case [2025] FWC 1173


[2025] FWC 1173

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.459 - Application to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by protected action ballot

Health Services Union

v

Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health Trading as Forensicare

(B2025/668)

DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON

ADELAIDE, 29 APRIL 2025

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2025/468.

  1. This matter concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot PR785151 held in matter B2025/468 and declared on 26 March 2025.

  1. The Health Services Union has made an application pursuant to s.459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by the relevant protected action ballot.

  1. Section 459(3) of the Act provides as follows:

“(3) The FWC may extend the 30-day period referred to in subparagraph (1)(d)(i) by up to 30 days if:

(a) an applicant for the protected action ballot order applies to the FWC for the period to be extended; and

(b)     the period has not previously been extended.”

  1. The application contends that each of the relevant requirements have been met and that the period should be extended by a further 30 days.

  1. The Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health trading as Forensicare has not advised the Commission of any objection to this application.

  1. I am satisfied that the relevant requirements of the Act have been met and that the application should be granted.

  1. Accordingly, pursuant to section 459(3) of the Act, I order that the 30 day period for the commencement of protected industrial action for eligible employees who were subject to the ballot and are employed by the Employer be extended by a further 30 days.

  1. This order will operate on and from 29 April 2025.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR786485>

Details
AGLC
v Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health Trading as Forensicare [2025] FWC 1173
Case
[2025] FWC 1173
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

In this matter, the Health Services Union, represented by their members, sought an extension of the 30-day period during which industrial action could be authorised by a protected action ballot. The application was directed against the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health Trading as Forensicare. The dispute arose from the result of a protected action ballot PR785151, which was declared on 26 March 2025, and the union sought to extend the period in which industrial action could be authorised under section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009. The Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health Trading as Forensicare did not object to the application.

The central legal issue was whether the requirements set out in section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 were met, allowing for the extension of the 30-day period. Section 459(3) provides that the Fair Work Commission (FWC) may extend the period if the applicant for the protected action ballot order applies for the extension and if the period has not previously been extended. The Deputy President considered the application against these criteria and found that the Health Services Union had satisfied the requirements, and that the period had not been extended prior to this application.

Upon reviewing the application, the Deputy President found that the Health Services Union had fulfilled the necessary requirements under section 459(3) of the Act. Given that there was no opposition from the employer, the application was granted. The Deputy President concluded that the 30-day period for the commencement of protected industrial action should be extended by a further 30 days. This extension took effect from 29 April 2025.

In accordance with section 459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009, the Deputy President ordered that the 30-day period for the commencement of protected industrial action for eligible employees who were subject to the ballot and were employed by the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health Trading as Forensicare be extended by a further 30 days. This extension was to commence on 29 April 2025.

Orders

Orders of the court

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Background

Background to the litigation

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Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

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Decision

Reasons for decision

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Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

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