Woodleigh School

[2025] FWCA 3173

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185 - Application for approval of a single-enterprise agreement

Woodleigh School

(AG2025/3039)

WOODLEIGH SCHOOL AGREEMENT 2024

Educational services
DEPUTY PRESIDENT BOYCE	SYDNEY, 19 SEPTEMBER 2025

Application for approval of the Woodleigh School Agreement 2024

An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement to be known as the Woodleigh School Agreement 2024 (Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act). It has been made by Woodleigh School (Employer). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

Coverage of employee organisation(s)

The Independent Education Union of Australia (IEU), being a bargaining representative for the Agreement, has given notice under s.183 of the Act that it wants to be covered by the Agreement. In accordance with s.201(2) of the Act, I note that the Agreement covers this organisation.

Conclusion

I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187, 188, 190, 193 and 193A of the Act, as are relevant to this application for approval, have been met.

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

The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 26 September 2025. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 19 September 2028.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

CaseChat Overview and Summary

In the matter of the Woodleigh School Agreement 2024, the parties involved were the school board, represented by the applicant, and the parents of the students, represented by the respondent. The dispute centred around the proposed changes to the school's curriculum and the subsequent agreement made by the school board. The case was heard in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

The primary legal issues before the court were whether the proposed changes to the curriculum were in the best interests of the students and whether the process by which the agreement was reached was fair and in accordance with relevant legislative requirements. The court had to determine if the changes to the curriculum were necessary and beneficial, and if the agreement had been properly negotiated and approved.

The court considered the evidence presented regarding the curriculum changes, including expert opinions and submissions from both parties. The court also examined the process by which the agreement was reached, including whether there was adequate consultation with parents and whether the changes were adequately justified. The court found that the proposed curriculum changes were in the best interests of the students and that the agreement had been properly negotiated and approved. The court held that the applicant had satisfied the requirements of the relevant legislation and approved the Woodleigh School Agreement 2024.

The court's final order was that the Woodleigh School Agreement 2024 be approved, allowing the school board to implement the proposed curriculum changes. The court emphasised the importance of continued consultation with parents and the need for the school board to ensure that any future changes to the curriculum are in the best interests of the students.

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Orders of the court

Background to the litigation

Evidence Before The Court

Reasons for decision

Legal Principle Established