The Baptist Union Queensland - Carinity T/A Carinity

Application for approval of the Carinity Schools Enterprise Agreement 2024

[1] The Baptist Union Queensland - Carinity T/A Carinity (the Employer) has applied for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Carinity Schools Enterprise Agreement 2024 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (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 enterprise agreement approval processes in Part 2-4 of the Act, commencing operation on 6 June 2023. The notification time for the Agreement under s.173(2) was 10 January 2024 and the Agreement was made on 26 February 2025. Accordingly, the genuine agreement requirements and the better off overall test requirements are those applying on and from 6 June 2023.

[3] I note that the Agreement was lodged 16 days after the conclusion of the vote. Section 185 of the Act requires a bargaining representative for an agreement to lodge an application within 14 days of the agreement being made. There was therefore a delay of 2 days in lodgement of the application with the Commission.

[4] I sought a response from the Employer, who explained that its services were affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred which impacted the South-East Queensland region during the 14-day timeframe for lodgement. The Employer submitted that it was therefore focused on preparing for and recovering from the weather event, which led to the late lodgement of the agreement approval application. The Independent Education Union of Australia (IEU), being a bargaining representative for the Agreement, provided its view that the Employer acted in good faith in the timing of the application.

[5] Having regard to the explanation provided by the Employer, I have determined to exercise by discretion under s.185(3)(b) of the Act to extend the time for lodgement of the application on the basis that it is fair to extend the period for lodgement.

[6] I have taken into consideration the material filed in the Commission. 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. The Agreement does not cover all of the employees of the employer, however, taking into account s.186(3) and (3A) I am satisfied that the group of employees was fairly chosen.

[7] The IEU has given notice under s.183 that it wants the Agreement to cover it. In accordance with s.201(2) of the Act I note that the Agreement covers the IEU.

[8] The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from

7 April 2025. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 June 2028.

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