Application by Workforce Advisory Pty Ltd Trading AS Workforce Advisory Lawyers
Citation: [2026] FWCA 1668
What happened
Workforce Advisory Pty Ltd, representing Meales Sunshine Coast Concrete Pumping Pty Ltd, sought approval for a new enterprise agreement called the Meales Sunshine Coast Concrete Pumping Pty Ltd Eva Copper Mine Project Agreement 2026. The agreement covers employees working on the Eva Copper Mine project. Workforce Advisory argued that the agreement met the requirements of the Fair Work Act 2009 and was in the public interest. The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) is the bargaining representative for the majority of affected employees.
What was decided
The Fair Work Commission approved the Meales Sunshine Coast Concrete Pumping Pty Ltd Eva Copper Mine Project Agreement 2026. Deputy President Butler found that it was a greenfields agreement meeting the Act’s requirements and that the AWU represented the interests of most covered employees. The Commission also confirmed that entitlements under the National Employment Standards (NES) will take precedence where there is conflict with the agreement. The agreement's nominal expiry date is 17 March 2029.
What it means for employers
Employers entering into greenfields agreements should ensure they comply with all relevant sections of the Fair Work Act, particularly those relating to bargaining representation and public interest considerations. They must also be aware that NES entitlements will override any conflicting provisions in the agreement.
What it means for employees
Employees covered by this new enterprise agreement will benefit from terms and conditions negotiated between Meales Sunshine Coast Concrete Pumping Pty Ltd and the AWU, while still retaining protections under the National Employment Standards. The agreement’s expiry date is 17 March 2029.
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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