NSFS reference: 16
Issue date: 5 October 2023
Date of effect: N/A
Contact officer:
Brett Evans
Director, Meat Export Program
mid.opscoord@aff.gov.au
Yesterday (Wednesday 4 October 2023) the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) was advised by the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) that it has lodged an application for a Protected Action Ballot Order seeking to ballot Meat Inspection and Veterinarian employees working, or providing veterinary supervision at, meat processing establishments.
The ballot will seek the views of departmental meat inspection, veterinary supervisory functions at meat establishments and veterinary officers engaged in live export operations, that are members of the CPSU, as to whether protected industrial action (including work stoppages and/or overtime bans) is supported.
The department will engage and participate in the Fair Work Commission processes relevant to this application and will await the outcomes of the CPSU's application.
Any impact on the provision of service by departmental personnel will be assessed once the outcome of this process is known – expected over the course of the next two-to-three weeks. We will continue to keep you informed of the outcomes of the process and any anticipated impact on service that may arise.
Brett Evans
Director, Export Meat Program
5 October 2023