Application for approval of the Huon Aquaculture - Marine Operations (Tasmania) Agreement 2024

[1] An application has been made for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Huon Aquaculture - Marine Operations (Tasmania) Agreement 2024 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). It has been made by Huon Aquaculture Company Pty Ltd. The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

[2] Pursuant to s.205A(2) of the Act, the workplace delegates' rights term in the Aquaculture Industry Award 2020 is taken to be a term of the Agreement.

[3] The Employer has provided written undertakings. A copy of the undertakings is attached in Annexure A. 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. The undertakings are taken to be a term of the Agreement.

[4] Subject to the undertakings referred to above, 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.

[5] I observe that the following clauses are likely to be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES):

• Clause 9.7.3 - Long service leave (casuals)

• Clause 12.2.2 - Notice of termination

• Clause 12.3.1 - Deductions on termination

• Clauses 13.3 and 13.7 - Redundancy entitlement

• Clause 35.6 - Cashing out annual leave

• Clause 41.1.1 - Personal/carer's leave accrual and deduction

• Clause 41.3.2 - Carer's leave entitlement

• Clause 41.4.1 - Personal/carer's leave notice

[6] However, noting clause 5.2 of the Agreement, I am satisfied the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.

[7] The Australian Workers' Union (AWU), being the bargaining representative for the Agreement, has given notice under s.183 of the Act that it wants the Agreement to cover it. In accordance with s.201(2) I note that the Agreement covers the organisation. The AWU supports approval of the Agreement.

[8] The Agreement is approved and will operate from seven days after approval in accordance with s.54 of the Act. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 June 2028.

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