[2026] FWC 1233

Fair Work Act 2009

s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order

"Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union" known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of University of Canberra - non-AEC ballot agent electronic voting

[1] This is an application by the "Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union" known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU or Applicant) made under s.437 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) for a protected action ballot order in relation to certain employees of University of Canberra (University of Canberra or Employer).

• [2] I note that the National Tertiary Education Industry Union (NTEU)[1] has made a separate application for a protected action ballot order in relation to the same proposed enterprise agreement.

[3] On 9 April 2026, the Commission was advised that the Employer did not object to the Application.

[4] In the circumstances, I have decided to determine the matter on the papers without holding a hearing.

[5] On the basis of the material before me, including the declaration of Michael Murray, Organiser, setting out the steps taken by the AMWU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with University of Canberra, I am satisfied that there is a notification time in relation to the proposed agreement and that all of the requirements in s.443(1) of the Act have been met.

[6] The ballot is to be conducted by Fair Vote Services Pty Ltd (Fair Vote). Fair Vote has been approved as an eligible protected action ballot agent under s.468A of the Act and consequently is authorised to conduct the ballot.

[7] For the purposes of s.443(3)(c) of the Act, the Commission has determined that the date by which voting is to close is 21 April 2026.[2] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.

[8] An Order has been separately issued in PR798499.

[9] This matter will be assigned to another Member of the Commission to conduct the s.448A compulsory conciliation conference along with the other related matters. That Member will issue an Order requiring the attendance of all bargaining representatives in the proposed enterprise agreement at the conference. It is likely that Directions will also be issued to ensure that the parties attend the conference ready to conduct meaningful negotiations.

[2] This is, in effect, 7 working days from the making of the Order and it is reasonably practicable for the ballot to be conducted in that period given, amongst other factors, the s.448A conference in the related matter is already scheduled within that period.

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