Category: People & Workforce

Court strikes down award limits on union delegates A Full Federal Court has ruled the Fair Work Commission (FWC) unlawfully narrowed workplace delegate rights in modern awards, ordering it to redo the award terms.The Federal Court found the FWC made three jurisdictional errors in varying modern awards to include a workplace delegates’ rights term.The court found the FWC impermissibly confined delegates’ representation rights to employees of the delegate’s employer, narrowed the statutory communication right and imposed absolute constraints that could unlawfully restrict the reasonable exercise of delegates’ rights.The ruling has sparked industry backlash, with Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA) chief executive Steve Knott saying workers’ rights have been extended to engage with workplace delegates on the employer’s time and resources, provided only that they are eligible to be members of that union.“The laws create unprecedented new powers for unions, risk turning employees into de-facto union organisers, and apply across all workplaces, including non-union sites with no enterprise agreements,” he said.“ decision materially expands the scope of workplace delegate rights. It extends the right of workplace delegates, paid for by employers, to communicate with contractors and labour hire employees working at an enterprise, regardless of whether those workers are union members.”Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) chief executive Tania Constable has called the decision an “over-reach of union power”.“Today’s decision by the Full Federal Court to overturn the FWC’s orders that placed reasonable limits on the exercise of union delegate powers confirms that unions will continue to push for expanded powers which absolve union delegates of their obligations as employees and interfere with the normal performance of work,” she said.“The decision shows that the Federal Government’s Closing Loopholes legislation gives unions significantly more power than what the independent umpire determined was a fair and reasonable balance.“Australian mining companies are already feeling unprecedented cost pressures, including from industrial relations changes, mounting energy prices, lengthy and costly project approval delays and increased royalties – driving investment offshore to low-cost jurisdictions with poor environmental and emissions standards.”The MCA says it will work with other affected industries to closely review the decision and its implications and take further action as appropriate. 

Eight Pilbara initiatives have shared in a $152,000 funding total as part of the 2025 Fortescue (ASX: FMG) Innovation Grants Program.From eco-events to community gardens, the Innovation Grants program funds up to $25,000 per initiative that are focused on sustainability, green innovation and community-led environmental change.The program is designed to introduce a new wave of creative ideas and sustainable initiatives, helping to tackle environmental challenges, strengthen local connections and create lasting benefits across the Pilbara.Fortescue director approvals, communities and services Rosli Wheelock comments on how these grants empower local organisations.“Community-led innovation is at the heart of these grants and we are proud to support ideas that not only drive sustainability but strengthen the social fabric of our Pilbara communities,” he said.To celebrate, Fortescue hosted events in Port Hedland and Karratha, bringing together local organisations, partners and community members to hear firsthand from the recent grant recipients.

Vaughan Harris has just become the first Tjiwarl community member to complete an apprenticeship with Liontown (ASX: LTR) at its Kathleen Valley lithium operations.Mr Harris grew up in Leonora and completed his final years of high school at the Cunderdin College of Agriculture. He started his electrical trade at 23 which led him to complete his apprenticeship.Mr Harris reflects on the historic moment in the Liontown partnership with the Tjiwarl community.“Being the first Tjiwarl apprentice to complete an apprenticeship here at Liontown feels exciting,” he said.“I hope it shows other Tjiwarl members, and even non-members, that it’s absolutely possible to complete an apprenticeship with Liontown’s support and the support of the community.”Mr Harris will relocate to Karratha with his wife, Cate, and daughter Aurora.“I hope to keep expanding my electrical knowledge, taking up extra courses and training,” he said.“When I get to Karratha, I’m hoping to start out in the rail side of things, which interests me most, but whatever I end up doing will likely be new to me, and that’s exciting in itself.”Liontown continues to partner closely with Tjiwarl to provide meaningful employment and training opportunities.

Rio Tinto signs agreement with Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation have signed an Interim Modernised Agreement, establishing a pathway to a fuller agreement that will govern how the miner operates on Yinhawangka Country in the long term. The agreement introduces a co-management approach allowing Yinhawangka to be involved earlier in mine planning.  It will establishment a joint committee where both parties work together to make decisions regarding the protection and management of cultural heritage and Country as well as new projects and major operational changes.  The interim agreement builds on the 2013 Participation Agreement between the Yinhawangka People and Rio Tinto. Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation board chairwoman Robyn Hayden (née Tommy) comments on the agreement.  "Mining on our Country always comes with hard decisions, and we have always been clear that Yinhawangka People must be at the centre of those decisions,” she said.  “This agreement with Rio Tinto reflects both parties’ commitment to working in partnership, strengthening respectful communication, and ensuring Yinhawangka voices are heard.  “It creates opportunities for both our current and future generations, supporting a stronger and more sustainable future for both our People and our Country.” Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Matthew Holcz says the agreement will allow the company to keep learning from Yinhawangka knowledge and perspectives as it works towards a fully modernised agreement, based on respect, transparency and shared responsibility. “We thank the Yinhawangka People for their continued leadership and guidance, as we work together to strengthen our partnership,” he said. Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation and Rio Tinto will continue working together to finalise the agreement in 2026. 

WorkSafe has reported that the 53-year-old worker killed at Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville gold mine in Victoria on December 5 was operating a cable bolter about 1.6km underground when he became entangled in the machinery.The death is the 53rd confirmed workplace fatality for 2025 — an increase from the 48 work-related deaths reported at the same time last year.

A contractor working at Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville gold mine in Victoria has died following an underground incident on December 5. An investigation is being conducted in cooperation with local authorities to determine the cause of the incident. Agnico Eagle is working with the contractor to ensure support and assistance is provided to the individual’s family during this difficult time. 

In his first major strategy update, Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) chief executive Simon Trott shared his plans to cut costs while targeting up to $15b (US$10b) in asset sales.

Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation (KNAC) Registered Native Title Body Corporate and Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) have signed an updated agreement to provide Rio Tinto with a clear framework for engaging on mine development on Nyiyaparli Country.

After a comprehensive domestic and international search, PLS (ASX: PLS) has appointed Alex Wilcocks as the company’s new chief financial officer.

WorkSafe Victoria has charged the operator of Ballarat gold mine and a mining services company after a worker died and another suffered life-threatening injuries in March 2024.

Construction has started on four key Western Power sites with planned upgrades that could double the capacity in some sections of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS).