[2026] FWC 925

Fair Work Act 2009

s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order

Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia

Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Cleanco Queensland Limited - non-AEC ballot agent electronic voting

[1] This is an application by the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia (CEPU 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 Cleanco Queensland Limited (Cleanco or Employer).

• [2] The Commission understands that the parties are seeking to negotiate a replacement for the Working at CleanCo Kareeya Power Station Enterprise Agreement 2023[1]. I note that the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU)[2] has made a separate application for a protected action ballot order in relation to the same proposed enterprise agreement. I also observe the CEPU[3] has made a separate application for a protected action ballot order with the same employer regarding a different proposed enterprise agreement.

[3] On 20 March 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 Robert Hill, Organiser, setting out the steps taken by the CEPU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with Cleanco, 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 Democratic Outcomes Pty Ltd (CiVS). CiVS 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 8 April 2026.[4] This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act.

[8] An Order has been separately issued in PR797845.

[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.

[10] I understand the Employer requested that any s.448A conference regarding the separate application be heard together in the interest of time and efficiency. This appears to be appropriate but is a matter for the Member concerned.

[4] This is, in effect, 10 working days from the making of the Order and was the period sought in the application.

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