Savings Clause agreed for Regional Water Multi Employer Agreement

01 June 2026

After many months of often frustrating discussions with Government, we have finally achieved a major breakthrough on our Regional Multi Employer Enterprise Agreement.

We concluded bargaining long ago, but the entire process was being held up because Government representatives did not want to include a Savings Clause in the Agreement. This clause is critical because it will allow us to bring in other employers on conditions that are at minimum, equal to or better than their existing conditions. Without this, the process for bringing in new employers would be much more difficult and convoluted.

ASU representatives, including delegates from Central Highlands Water and South Gippsland Water, recently met with Water Minister Harriet Shing to make our case. Minister Shing was receptive to our arguments and appreciated just how important this clause is. And last week we received notice that the Government had agreed to the inclusion of the clause, reversing their previous position.

This is very exciting news, and it represents a crucial step in revolutionising how we bargain in the Water Industry.

We thank all of our members and our delegates in particular for their patience, resolve, and determination to get this done.