Application for approval of the Strabag Australia Belmont Desalination Plant Greenfields Agreement 2025 -2026

[1] An application has been made for approval of a greenfields agreement known as the Strabag Australia Belmont Desalination Plant Greenfields Agreement 2025 -2026 (the Agreement). The application was made by Strabag Australia Pty Ltd pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the Act).

[2] This greenfields agreement meets the requirements of s.172(2)(b) of the Act. I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186 and 187 of the Act, as are relevant to the application for approval, have been met. In accordance with s.187(5)(a) of the Act, I am satisfied that The Australian Workers' Union are entitled to represent the industrial interests of a majority of employees which will be covered by the Agreement in relation to work that is to be performed under it. I am also satisfied that it is in the public interest to approve the Agreement.

[3] The Applicant has provided written undertakings and a copy of these undertakings is attached in Annexure A. In accordance with s.191(1) of the Act, the undertakings are taken to be a term of the Agreement.

[4] I note that the Agreement contains an NES precedence clause at cl.2.7(f), and this clause will be relied upon in the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and the National Employment Standards.

[5] Pursuant to s.53(2)(b) of the Act, I note the Agreement was made with The Australian Workers' Union and that the Agreement covers that organisation.

[6] The Agreement is approved, and in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 23 October 2025. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 31 July 2026.

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