Moorabool Shire: MEA Rope-In Applications

16 July 2026

Council has been providing updates on the progress of the MEA recently. These have mostly focussed on the stalled nature of the Fair Work Commission (FWC) application.

The ASU has written to FWC seeking an update to the MEA several times. FWC pre-approved our application in May and indicated it would be finalised a week later.

We are still waiting for this to happen, which is unfortunately outside our (or Hepburn’s) control, but worth noting similar delays have become standard across many FWC applications. Had we bargained for a single EBA, aside from the fact we’d still be at the negotiating table, we would likely also experience similar delays in any application for approval.

ASU & Hepburn Council remain positive given FWC has pre-approved the application. As soon as we have final approval, we will be lodging a similar application for Moorabool to join the MEA, along with Moira, Pyrenees, and Buloke shires.

Moorabool Council has had ample time to plan for the financial implications of the new agreement, and application of the savings clause. So far they have not approached the ASU with any concerns. If this changes we are happy to assist with the implementation.

While these FWC delays will mean a bit of a wait until the MEA can apply to you, the Agreement contains strong clauses around backpay and entitlements, so you will not lose out once it does. This will be similar to what happened under single-employer bargaining, but with the superior clauses of the MEA helping to protect your wages and conditions.

We will update you as soon as there is any news regarding your rope-in application.

If you have any other queries please reach out to your delegates or ASU Organiser Melissa Wainwright on 0461 420 021