[1] An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Essential Water Enterprise Agreement 2025 (Agreement). The application was made pursuant to section 185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

[2] The Employer has provided written undertakings (Undertakings). A copy of the Undertakings is attached in Annexure A to this decision. I am satisfied that the effect of accepting the Undertakings is not likely to:

(a) cause financial detriment to any employee covered by the Agreement; or

(b) result in substantial changes to the Agreement.

[3] The views of each person who the Fair Work Commission knows is a bargaining representative for the Agreement have been sought in relation to the Undertakings.

[4] Pursuant to subsection 190(3) of the Act, I accept the Undertakings. The Undertakings are taken to be a term of the Agreement.

[5] Subject to the Undertakings, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of sections 186, 187, 188 and 190 of the Act as are relevant to this application for approval have been met.

[6] The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with section 54 of the Act, will operate from 20 April 2026. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 29 October 2028.

[7] The Mining and Energy Union, the Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union and the Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union being a bargaining representatives for the Agreement, have given notice to the Fair Work Commission that they want the Agreement to cover their organisation. In accordance with s 201(2) of the Act, I note that the Agreement covers the Mining and Energy Union, the Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union and the Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union.

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