| [2024] FWCFB 387 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
| STATEMENT |
Fair Work Act 2009
s 160—Application to vary a modern award to remove ambiguity or uncertainty or correct error
Variation on the Commission’s own initiative — Live Performance Award 2020
(AM2024/38)
| Live performance industry | |
| DEPUTY PRESIDENT MILLHOUSE | MELBOURNE, 25 SEPTEMBER 2024 |
Commencement of new matter on the Commission’s own initiative – matter foreshadowed in Final Report of the Modern Awards Review 2023–24 – Live Performance Award 2020.
As foreshadowed in the Modern Awards Review 2023–24 Final Report[1] (Final Report), the Commission is commencing a new matter on its own initiative to rectify deficiencies identified in the Live Performance Award 2020[2] (Live Performance Award).
The background to the Modern Awards Review 2023-24[3] is explained in detail at [1]–[8] and [160]–[167] of the Final Report. In summary, the Full Bench identified award provisions in six areas which require the Commission’s priority attention. The Final Report indicated that the Commission would commence proceedings on its own initiative in each of these areas. These proceedings comprise one of the six matters.
The variations to the Live Performance Award under consideration in this matter were the subject of consensus amongst, principally, Live Performance Australia, the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance and Theatre Network Australia, during the consultation phase of the Review. The proposed variations to the Live Performance Award agreed to by those parties are described at paragraphs [35]-[40] of the Final Report. The variations are also set out at Attachment A to this Statement.
Section 160 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (Act) empowers the Commission to make a determination varying a modern award to remove an ambiguity or uncertainty or to correct an error. As the proposed variations address drafting errors and ambiguity within the Live Performance Award, this matter has been initiated pursuant to s 160 of the Act.
Next steps
The Commission notes that although this matter has been initiated on the basis of consent positions arrived at by the parties identified above, other interested parties are invited to participate. Any interested parties must file written submissions on the proposed variations set out at Attachment A by 4:00 pm Wednesday 23 October 2024. Parties should also include in their submissions any requests for an oral hearing. Submissions are to be sent to awards@fwc.gov.au.
Unless an oral hearing is requested, the Commission intends to determine this matter on the papers.
DEPUTY PRESIDENT
Attachment A
Proposed changes to the Live Performance Award 2020.
| No. | Clause | |
| 1. | 41.2(f)(vi) | The provisions of clause 41.2(f) of this Award shall not apply to an archival and/or reference recording as defined. |
| 2. | A.2.1(c)(vii) | basic |
| 3. | A.3.1(c)(x) | intermediate |
| 4. | A.3.1(d)(i) | Accounts |
| 5. | A.3.1(d)(ii) | Administrative Assistant |
| 6. | A.3.1(d) | Booking |
| 7. | A.3.1(d) | Dispatch |
| 8. | A.4.1(b) | An employee at this level performs work above and beyond the skills of an employee at |
| 9. | A.4.1(c)(x) | superior |
| 10. | A.4.1(d)(i) | Accounts |
| 11. | A.4.1(d)(iv) | Scheduling/Rostering |
| 12. | A.5.1(b)(iii) | exercises |
| 13. | A.5.1(d)(iii) | Chaperone |
| 14. | A.6.1(b) (vi) | exercises |
| 15. | A.6.1(d)(iv) | Junior/Associate Arts Programmer |
[1] Fair Work Commission, Modern Awards Review 2023–24 (Final Report, 18 July 2024).
[2] MA000081.
[3] Submission - Proposed variations to the Live Performance Award 2020 (fwc.gov.au).
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
<MA000081 PR779595>
- AGLC
- Variation on the Commission’s own initiative — Live Performance Award 2020 [2024] FWCFB 387
- Case
- [2024] FWCFB 387
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The primary legal issue before the Commission is whether the proposed variations to the Live Performance Award 2020 are justified under section 160 of the Fair Work Act. The Commission must determine if the proposed amendments effectively address the identified ambiguities and errors and whether they align with the objectives of the Modern Awards Review. Additionally, the Commission must consider whether any other interested parties have grounds to challenge or provide input on the proposed changes. The Commission is also tasked with deciding whether an oral hearing is necessary or if the matter can be decided on the submitted documents.
The Fair Work Commission has determined that the proposed variations to the Live Performance Award 2020 are warranted and will proceed with the changes as outlined in Attachment A to the Statement. The Commission has found that the amendments address significant drafting errors and ambiguities within the award, aligning with the review's objectives. The Commission invites any other interested parties to submit written submissions by the specified deadline and will consider any requests for an oral hearing. Unless such a request is made, the Commission intends to make its determination based on the submitted documents.
The Fair Work Commission will issue a formal determination varying the Live Performance Award 2020 to reflect the proposed changes. This determination will be issued after considering any additional submissions received from interested parties and any outcomes of any requested oral hearings. The final decision will be communicated to all relevant stakeholders, and the amended award will be updated accordingly.
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