Application for approval of the Royal Freemasons Ltd, Residential Aged Care Enterprise Agreement 2024

[1] Royal Freemasons Ltd (the Employer) has made an application for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Royal Freemasons Ltd, Residential Aged Care Enterprise Agreement 2024 (the Agreement) pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the Act). The Agreement is a single enterprise agreement.

[2] The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 (Cth) made a number of changes to the enterprise agreement approval processes in Part 2-4 of the Act, that commenced operation on 6 June 2023. The notification time for the Agreement was 20 November 2023 and the Agreement was made on 30 June 2025. Accordingly, both the genuine agreement and the better off overall test requirements are those applying on and from 6 June 2023.

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

• Clause 55: Personal/Carers Leave

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

[5] The Applicant 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.

[6] In compliance with s 190(4) of the Act, the bargaining representatives' views regarding the undertakings proffered were sought. They were provided with the opportunity to raise and address any objections they had to the undertakings proffered by the Applicant. No objection was raised.

[7] Subject to the undertakings referred to above, and on the basis of the material contained in the application and accompanying declarations, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss 186, 187, 188, and 190 of the Act as are relevant to this application for approval have been met.

[8] The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 13 August 2025. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 June 2028.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer