Benchmark WA Industrial Relations Case Database

Australian Workers' Union v Wilmar Sugar Pty Ltd

[2026] FWC 1415 Fair Work Commission 2026-01-01
Source
Deputy President Hampton
Not yet cited by other cases
Applicant: Australian Workers' Union
Respondent: Wilmar Sugar Pty Ltd

Ratio

The FWC has power under s.459(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009 to extend the 30-day period for commencement of protected industrial action by up to 30 days where the applicant applies and the period has not previously been extended. The requirements having been met and the respondent raising no objection, the extension was granted.

Outcome

For applicant granted

Authority signal

Not yet cited by other cases Signal-weighted score: 0.0
Derived from how later decisions have treated this case. Dark green = leading authority, green = positively treated, grey = neutral or sparse data, amber = caution, red = treated negatively.

Key facts · 4

  • Protected action ballot PR797326 held in matter B2026/179 and declared on 19 March 2026
  • Australian Workers' Union applied to extend the 30-day period for commencement of protected industrial action
  • Wilmar Sugar Pty Ltd advised it had no objection to the application
  • The 30-day period had not previously been extended

Factors

For
  • All statutory requirements of s.459(3) met
  • No objection from the respondent employer
Against

Legislation referenced

  • Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) s.459(3)

Concept tags · 2

[P]Protected action ballot order [P]Protected industrial action
Archived text (314 words)
1 Fair Work Act 2009 s.459 - Application to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by protected action ballot Australian Workers' Union v Wilmar Sugar Pty Ltd (B2026/396) DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON ADELAIDE, 21 APRIL 2026 Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2026/179. [1] This matter concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot PR797326 held in matter B2026/179 and declared on 19 March 2026. [2] The Australian Workers' 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. [3] 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 (b) the period has not previously been extended.” [4] 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. [5] Wilmar Sugar Pty Ltd has advised the Commission it has no objection to this application. [6] I am satisfied that the relevant requirements of the Act have been met and that the application should be granted. [7] 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. [2026] FWC 1415 DECISION [2026] FWC 1415 2 [8] This order will operate on and from 21 April 2026. DEPUTY PRESIDENT Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer <PR798893>