1 Fair Work Act 2009 s.437 - Application for a protected action ballot order Mining and Energy Union v Ravensworth Coal Management Pty Ltd T/A Ravensworth Surface Operations (B2026/563) DEPUTY PRESIDENT HAMPTON ADELAIDE, 22 MAY 2026 Proposed protected action ballot of employees of Ravensworth Coal Management Pty Ltd trading as Ravensworth Surface Operations – non-AEC ballot electronic voting [1] This is an application by the Mining and Energy Union acting through its Northern Mining and NSW Energy District Branch (MEU or Applicant) made under s.437 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) for a protected action ballot order in relation to certain employees of Ravensworth Coal Management Pty Ltd trading as Ravensworth Surface Operations (Ravensworth or Employer). [2] On 22 May 2026, the Commission was advised that the Employer did not object to the Application. [3] In the circumstances, I have decided to determine the matter on the papers without holding a hearing. [4] On the basis of the material before me, including the declaration of Matthew Howard, District Vice President, setting out the steps taken by the MEU in bargaining with the Employer and that it has been, and is, genuinely trying to reach agreement with Ravensworth, I am satisfied that there is a notification time in relation to the proposed agreement and that all of the requirements in s.443(1) of the Act have been met. [5] The ballot is to be conducted by Coastal Collaborations Pty Ltd T/A Australian Election Company (Australian Election Company). The Australian Election Company has been approved as an eligible protected action ballot agent under s.468A of the Act and is authorised to conduct the ballot. [6] For the purposes of s.443(3)(c) of the Act, the Commission has determined that the date by which voting is to close is 15 June 2026.1 This also establishes the ballot period for the purpose of s.448A(2) of the Act. [7] An Order has been separately issued in PR810289. [2026] FWC 1874 DECISION [2026] FWC 1874 2 [8] This matter will be assigned to another Member of the Commission to conduct the s.448A compulsory conciliation conference. That Member will issue an Order requiring the attendance of all bargaining representatives in the proposed enterprise agreement at the conference. It is likely that Directions will also be issued to ensure that the parties attend the conference ready to conduct meaningful negotiations. DEPUTY PRESIDENT Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer <PR810288> 1 This is, in effect, 15 working days from the making of the Order and was the period sought in the application.