s.459 - Application to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by protected action ballot

Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2025/1654.

• [1] This Decision concerns the declaration of the results of 75 protected action ballots, outlined in Annexure A that were conducted in matter B2025/1654 and declared on 25 November 2025.

• [2] Each of these protected action ballots relate to healthcare industry employers, listed in Annexure A, that are authorised to bargain together by way of a Single Interest Employer Authorisation (Authorisation) issued by the Fair Work Commission on 27 August 2025 (collectively the Employers).

• [3] The Health Services Union has made an application pursuant to s.459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by the relevant protected action ballot.

• [4] Section 459(3) of the Act provides as follows:

"(3) The FWC may extend the 30-day period referred to in subparagraph (1)(d)(i) by up to 30 days if:

(a) an applicant for the protected action ballot order applies to the FWC for the period to be extended; and

• [5] The application contends that each of the relevant requirements have been met and that the period should be extended by a further 30 days from the expiry of the original 30 days.

• [6] The Victorian Hospitals' Industrial Association, which is authorised to act on behalf of each of the Employers, has advised the Commission it has no objection to this application.

• [7] I am satisfied that the relevant requirements of the Act have been met and that the application should be granted.

• [8] Accordingly, pursuant to section 459(3) of the Act, I order that the 30 day period for the commencement of protected industrial action for eligible employees who were subject to the ballot and are employed by the Employer be extended by a further 30 days.

• [9] This order will operate on and from 5 January 2026.

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