[2025] FWC 1095
Citation: [2025] FWC 1095
What happened
William Kane Lowth was previously an Assistant Secretary of a branch of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU). Following changes to the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009, his office was declared vacant and his employment terminated. He is now considered a 'removed person' and requires a certificate to hold office, be employed, or be a bargaining representative. He has been offered a part-time position with the Electrical Trades Union Division of the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allies Services Union of Australia (CEPU), conditional on receiving a certificate from the Fair Work Commission. The Commission is considering whether he is a 'fit and proper person' for this role. The CFMEU Administrator initially intended to be heard but ultimately chose not to present evidence due to an ongoing investigation.
What was decided
The Fair Work Commission has decided to grant William Kane Lowth a certificate to be employed or engaged by an organisation under section 323MD(1) of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009. The Commission found no evidence suggesting he is not a 'fit and proper person'. The decision was made without the Administrator presenting evidence, due to an ongoing investigation into the CFMEU. The Commission has deferred consideration of his applications for certificates related to holding office and being a bargaining representative.
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This summary was drafted from the published decision and reviewed before publishing. It is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, speak to the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified lawyer. About these summaries & corrections