Application by Victorian Hospitals' Industrial Association (289V)
Citation: [2026] FWCA 1628
What happened
The Victorian Hospitals' Industrial Association (VHIA) applied for approval of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement 2024-2028. The VHIA acted as a bargaining representative. Concerns were raised, leading to written undertakings from the VHIA. Both the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) and the Health Services Union (Victoria No.2 Branch), also bargaining representatives, indicated their desire for the agreement to cover them.
What was decided
The Fair Work Commission approved the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement 2024-2028. The Commissioner was satisfied that all relevant requirements under the Fair Work Act were met and that the undertakings provided by VHIA would not cause financial detriment to employees or substantially change the agreement. The agreement will operate seven days after approval, covering both ANMF and HACSU.
What it means for employers
Employers seeking to implement enterprise agreements should be prepared to address concerns raised during the application process and provide written undertakings if necessary. These undertakings become legally binding terms of the agreement.
What it means for employees
Employees covered by the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement 2024-2028 benefit from the terms outlined in the agreement, including any conditions arising from the undertakings provided by VHIA. The ANMF and HACSU are also covered by this agreement.
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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