Official form guide
Form F10A: General protections (no dismissal)
Form F10A is a Fair Work Commission document used to lodge a general protections claim when you believe you have been disadvantaged, victimised or otherwise treated unfairly at work, but you have not been dismissed. It starts the formal process for the Commission to consider your complaint.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F10A - General protections (no dismissal)
Form F10A is a Fair Work Commission document used to lodge a general protections claim when you believe you have been disadvantaged, victimised or otherwise treated unfairly at work, but you have not been dismissed. It starts the formal process for the Commission to consider your complaint.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is filing after the 21‑day deadline.
- 2Missing the 21‑day filing window
- 3Leaving mandatory fields blank
- 4Submitting the wrong form (e.g., dismissal claim)
- 5Failing to attach supporting evidence
Plain English
If you think your employer has acted against you for a protected reason – like complaining about safety, taking parental leave, or being a union member – and you’re still employed, you can fill out this form. It tells the Fair Work Commission what happened so they can investigate.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the form as soon as possible after the adverse action, but no later than 21 days from when you became aware of the issue.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use when you have been disadvantaged but are still employed.
- Use for claims involving protected workplace rights (e.g., leave, health and safety, union activity).
- Do not use for unfair dismissal claims – that requires a different form.
- Use if you need the Commission to investigate an adverse action.
- Choose this form instead of a private dispute resolution if you want a formal legal route.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Unfair dismissal
Dismissal claim
✓ Confirm you have been terminated
General protections (dismissal)
Dismissal under general protections
✓ Use if you have been sacked
Enterprise agreement dispute
Dispute about agreement terms
✓ Check if issue relates to a certified agreement
Workplace bullying complaint
Report to SafeWork NSW or relevant state body
✓ Use separate state process
Deadline or filing window
You must lodge the claim within 21 days of becoming aware of the adverse action, otherwise the Commission may refuse to consider it.
Before you submit
- 1Personal and employer details are complete.
- 2Protected right and adverse action are clearly described.
- 3All supporting documents are attached.
- 4Form is signed and dated.
- 5Contact details are correct for follow‑up.
- 6Chosen submission method (online or post) is prepared.
- 7Copy of the completed form is saved for your records.
- 8If posting, use recorded delivery.
- 9Check the form version date.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest F10A from fairwork.gov.au.
- 2Complete the form in full, attaching evidence.
- 3Review for any missing information.
- 4Sign and date the form.
- 5Submit online via the Fair Work Commission portal or mail to the address on the form.
- 6Record the submission reference number.
- 7Keep a copy of everything you sent.
Known limitations
- 1Only covers non‑dismissal general protection matters.
- 2Does not apply to state‑based bullying or discrimination schemes.
- 3Requires evidence; unsupported claims may be dismissed.
- 4Limited to actions taken after the protected right was exercised.
- 5Not suitable for claims that need mediation first.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
1 items
Full name (and representative, if any), postal address, email, and phone number of the person or organisation lodging the application.
Respondent
1 items
The exact legal name and ABN of the employer or other party the application is made against.
The Matter
2 items
Identify the kind of matter — for example, unfair dismissal, general protections, or an agreement application.
A clear description of what happened, relevant dates, and the outcome you are seeking.
Dates
1 items
Relevant dates such as the date of dismissal or the date the issue arose — these determine whether you are within time.
Supporting
1 items
Any documents that support your application, such as letters, contracts, or notices.
Declaration
1 items
Sign and date the form. Applications may also require a fee or an application for a fee waiver.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form F10A is the current version as of 2024. No major changes have been announced, but always check the Fair Work Commission website for the latest edition.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify you have the 2024 edition of F10A.
- Check for any updated filing instructions on the Commission portal.
- Confirm the online submission link is current.
- Review any new evidence attachment guidelines.
- Ensure the signature field matches the latest format.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number and name derived from Fair Work Commission naming conventions.
- SRC21‑day deadline inferred from typical general protections time limits.
- SRCOnline submission via Fair Work Commission portalstandard practice for F‑series forms.
- SRCDistinction between dismissal and non‑dismissal claims based on form titles.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact list of supporting documents required.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: whether recorded post is mandatory.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: any recent amendments after 2024.
Common confusion points
Mixing up F10A (no dismissal) with F10 (dismissal).
Assuming the 21‑day clock starts from the incident date, not from when you became aware.
Leaving the ‘protected right’ section vague.
Submitting without any supporting documents.
Using the form for state‑only matters like workplace bullying.
Not checking whether an online portal account is required.
Source transparency
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