The Commission, of its own motion, initiated a review of the State Research Stations, Agricultural Schools and College Award under s 40B of the Industrial Relations Act 1979. The proceedings were initiated to ensure the award does not contain wages less than the statutory minimum wage, to remove outdated and obsolete provisions, and to ensure compliance with current employment standards prescribed by the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 and Fair Work Act 2009.

The Commission provided notice of its intention to vary the Award to UnionsWA, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, the Minister for Industrial Relations, the public sector employer parties to the Award and the Australian Workers Union, West Australian Branch, Industrial Union of Workers (AWU) as the union party to the Award. The Government Sector Labour Relations Division of the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (GSLR) represented the employers who are parties to the Award.

Key amendments to the award include adjustments to classification terms to include equivalent training accreditations and removal of outdated references. The provisions for wages and allowances and leave provisions – including family and domestic violence leave and parental leave, have been updated to align with statutory minimum conditions.

The Commissioner expressed gratitude to the parties for their constructive and collaborative work on the variations, resulting in a modernisation of the award, which ensures compliance with current legislation and fairness for employees and employers.

The award variations took effect from 1 September 2025.

 

The decision can be read here.