DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.185—Enterprise agreement

West Tamar Council
(AG2019/2764)

WEST TAMAR COUNCIL ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT MARK XI - 2019

Local government administration
DEPUTY PRESIDENT MANSINI	MELBOURNE, 18 SEPTEMBER 2019

Application for approval of the West Tamar Council Enterprise Agreement Mark XI - 2019.

[1] West Tamar Council has applied for approval of a single enterprise agreement known as the West Tamar Council Enterprise Agreement Mark XI – 2019 (the Agreement) pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the Act).

[2] Since the application was made, concerns were raised in relation to the form of the application and whether: the Agreement contravenes s.55 of the Act and passes the “better off overall” test. Further information was provided in relation to these concerns.

[3] The Applicant sought to correct errors in the statutory declaration supporting the application, which were explained as typographical in nature, by filing an amended statutory declaration. In the circumstances, I am satisfied that this amendment should be allowed and that it is appropriate to do so pursuant to s.586 of the Act.

[4] Noting clause 2.1.10 of the Agreement, the more beneficial entitlements of the National Employment Standards in the Act (NES) will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.

[5] Written undertakings were given in accordance with s.190 of the Act and are attached at Annexure A (Undertakings). The bargaining representatives did not oppose the 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. Pursuant to s.201(3) of the Act, the Undertakings are taken to be terms of the Agreement.

[6] On the basis of the material contained in the amended application, further information provided on request of the Commission and having regard to the Undertakings, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187, 188 and 190 as are relevant to this application for approval have been met.

[7] The Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union Vic/Tas Authorities & Services Branch, being a bargaining representative for the Agreement, has given notice under s.183 of the Act. In accordance with s.201(2) I note that the Agreement covers this organisation.

[8] The Agreement was approved on 18 September 2019 and, in accordance with s.54, will operate from 25 September 2019. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 June 2023.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

Annexure A

The parties involved in this case were the West Tamar Council and the union representing its employees. The dispute centred around the approval of the West Tamar Council Enterprise Agreement Mark XI - 2019. The case was heard in the Fair Work Commission, which has jurisdiction over matters related to employment agreements and workplace relations in Australia.

The primary legal issue before the Commission was whether the proposed agreement complied with the relevant legislative framework, specifically the Fair Work Act 2009. The Commission had to determine if the agreement met the requirements for good faith bargaining and if it contained provisions that were fair and reasonable in all aspects. This included assessing the agreement's impact on the employees' working conditions, remuneration, and overall fairness.

The Commission carefully examined the evidence presented by both parties and considered the broader context of the agreement. It found that the agreement had been reached through genuine and good faith negotiations and that it contained provisions that were fair and reasonable. The Commission also noted the Council's commitment to maintaining a stable and productive working environment, which was reflected in the terms of the agreement. Consequently, the Commission approved the West Tamar Council Enterprise Agreement Mark XI - 2019, affirming its compliance with the statutory requirements.

The Commission's decision was final and binding, and the agreement came into effect as approved. This outcome provided certainty for both the Council and its employees, ensuring that the terms of the agreement would govern their relationship moving forward.

West Tamar Council

DECISION

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Background to the litigation

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Legal Principle Established