Details  Created: 04 September 2020

The Commission has issued an order to waive the observance of Rule 20 of the rules of the The Australian Nursing Federation Industrial Union of Workers Perth (the Union), to enable to the Union to hold its 2020 elections of officeholders later than the time required.

Rule 20 of the Union’s rules requires that the elections of officeholders be held between 1 July and 30 August in the year in which they fall due.

In support of the application, the Union’s Secretary explained that the Union had been unable to request that the election be undertaken within time due to a number of factors. This included issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the departure of a senior staff member, who was responsible for arranging elections, in January 2020.

Chief Commissioner Scott found that the COVID-19 pandemic had affected the Union in providing support and service to its members and that it had faced significant challenges in performing its functions.

Scott CC found that there was no indication that the circumstances had arisen due to neglect, but rather due to exceptional circumstances.

Scott CC has issued an order authorising the Union to waive observance of Rule 20 of the Union’s rules and to allow it to conduct the elections before 30 November 2020.

The decision can be read here.