Fair Work Commission Backs Internal Hiring Rights

by David Gonzalez, NTEU UniMelb Branch President

The Fair Work Commission has confirmed that University of Melbourne management must follow clause 1.15.9 of our Enterprise Agreement when hiring for ongoing jobs. This is a major win for casual and fixed-term staff and for all NTEU UniMelb members who’ve been fighting for years for more permanent jobs.

What the Commission ruled:

Internal comes first

The Uni must start internal recruitment before it advertises externally. No more jumping straight to outside hires.

Process must be completed first

If a casual or fixed-term worker applies and meets the criteria, the Uni must finish the whole internal process before going external. This means shortlisting, interviews, referee checks—everything.

Preference for long-serving staff

If you’ve worked:

at 0.5 FTE or more
for two semesters over two years,
and meet the job criteria, then the Uni must prefer you over external applicants—unless it’s unreasonable (like misconduct or clear unfitness for the role).

Next steps for the UniMelb management

The Uni now needs to:

Update all its hiring policies and materials,
Remove any documents that misrepresent clause 1.15.9,
Ensure managers know they must complete internal recruitment before going external.

Next steps for the Branch

This decision strengthens our position. It’s proof that union action works—and that conversion to secure work isn’t just a dream, it’s a right under our Agreement. The Branch has written to Vice Chancellor Emma Johnston to hold the University to this decision.

11 June 2025

updated 12 June 2025 with letter to Vice Chancellor Emma Johnston