Support for Enterprise Bargaining Agreement

November 27, 2024

Words: Dale Keehne

I am pleased to be able to announce the outcome of the vote of all East Arnhem Regional Council (EARC) employees on the proposed Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. 

The EARC employee YES vote was 81 per cent. It is great to have such a high level of support from our employees.


This is the fifth Enterprise Bargaining Agreement for EARC, since the regional council started in 2008. The Enterprise Bargaining Agreement has progressively improved the wages and the wide range of conditions for all our hard working staff.


We are now arranging with the Fair Work Commission for the new Enterprise Agreement to be formally in place as soon as possible.


As it is unclear how long this process will take at this late time of the year, I have arranged for all staff to be paid the back payment of this year’s 4 per cent increases to wages, the Locality Allowance and other allowances (from 1 July to 15 September 2024). This will ensure all staff receive the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement increases before Christmas. 


Again, I would like to thank the United Workers Union and the EARC employee representatives for their hard work and their representation of EARC employees during the agreement discussions and negotiations. I extend this thanks to our highly valued staff who serve all our communities so well.


Dale Keehne
CEO



Image top: Dale Keehne with Aged Care & Disability Services team at Midawarr Day Out 2024.

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In July, East Arnhem Regional Council will be running Community Consultations sessions in Gapuwiyak, Milingimbi, Galiwin'ku, Ramingining, Gunyangara and Yirrkala.
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The 2025 Local Government Elections will take place in August, inviting voters from across the Territory to participate. Twelve Councillors will be selected to represent the five wards across East Arnhem: Birr Rawarrang Ward (Ramingining), Gumurr Gattjirrk Ward (Milingimbi), Gumurr Marthakal Ward (Galiwin’ku), Gumurr Miwatj Ward (Gunyangara & Yirrkala) and Gumurr Miyarrka Ward (Gapuwiyak). For information on nomination, voting and key dates in the 2025 Local Government Election click here .
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During our recent Ordinary Council meeting we celebrated two of our longest serving Councillors who have been with Council since its inception in 2008.
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East Arnhem Regional Council adopted the Budget for the 2025-2026 financial year and the Regional Plan for 2025-2026 at its Ordinary Council Meeting held on Thursday, 26 June 2025. You can obtain copies of the 2025-2026 Regional Plan and Budget: by downloading from www.eastarnhem.nt.gov.au view in hard copy at any of Council’s Service Delivery Centres and the Regional Office by telephoning (08) 8986 8986 or emailing info@eastarnhem.nt.gov.au
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Public Consultation | Draft Regional Plan 2025-2026
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