1 Fair Work Act 2009 s.459 - Application to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by protected action ballot Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia v Sydney Water Corporation T/A Sydney Water (B2023/1164) DEPUTY PRESIDENT WRIGHT SYDNEY, 27 OCTOBER 2023 Application to extend the 30 day period in relation to B2023/978 [1] This matter concerns the declaration of the result of a protected action ballot (PR66214) held in matter B2023/978 and declared on 29 September 2023. [2] The Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia (APESMA) 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 made by the APESMA contends that each of the relevant requirements have been met and that the period should be extended by a further 30 days. [5] Sydney Water Corporation T/A Sydney Water was advised to raise any objections by 10:00am on Thursday 26 October 2023 and did not do so. [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 APESMA members employed by Sydney Water be extended by a further 30 days. [2023] FWC 2837 DECISION [2023] FWC 2837 2 [8] This order will operate on and from 27 October 2023. DEPUTY PRESIDENT Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer <PR767701>