🇦🇺FAIR WORKF10A

General protections (no dismissal)

The F10A form is an application to the Fair Work Commission for general protections remedies related to workplace dismissal. It's used when someone believes they were dismissed for exercising workplace rights, discrimination, or other prohibited reasons under Australian workplace laws.

✦ Open in AI Editor Download PDF ↗

General protections (no dismissal) (F10A) — form preview

Need help? AI Editor guides you through every field of General protections (no dismissal).

Start filling →

Form Overview

General protections (no dismissal)

The form captures details about your employment, the circumstances of your dismissal, and why you believe it was unlawful. It requires information about your employer, dates of employment, and the specific protections you believe were breached.

Risk Radar

Missing the 21-day deadline is the most common reason applications are rejected.
Missing the 21-day deadline for filing
Not providing sufficient evidence of the dismissal reason
Filing for incorrect protections not covered by this form
Incomplete form sections that delay processing

Plain English

This form helps if you lost your job and think it was for unfair reasons like asking about your pay or taking parental leave. The Fair Work Commission will look at your case to see if your employer broke the rules when letting you go.

Submission Date

Applications must generally be filed within 21 days of the dismissal date. The Commission may accept late applications if there are exceptional circumstances, but this is not automatic.
Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

AI Assistant

Get field-by-field guidance, auto-fill suggestions, and error detection.

Try it now ->

Glossary Terms

unlawful

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

Quick Facts

Employees who believe they were dismissed in contravention of general protections provisions should file this form. Former employees can submit this application if they think their dismissal was unlawful.

File this form within 21 days of your dismissal date. Late applications may be accepted if you can show reasonable cause for the delay, but this isn't guaranteed.

Submit the form through the Fair Work Commission online portal, by mail to the appropriate Fair Work Commission office, or in person at a Commission registry. The online portal is generally the fastest method.

Submitting correctly ensures your case is properly assessed by the Commission. Errors or delays could result in your application being rejected or delayed, potentially affecting your eligibility for remedies.

Complete all sections of the form with accurate and detailed information. Attach relevant documents like your employment contract and correspondence with your employer. Keep a copy of your completed form and any supporting documents for your records.

What this form is for

• Use when dismissed for discriminatory reasons (age, gender, race, etc.)
• Use when dismissed for exercising workplace rights (taking leave, asking about wages)
• Use when dismissed due to temporary absence (illness, injury)
• Use when dismissed as a response to workplace health and safety complaints
• Use when dismissed for union-related activities
• Use only for general protections dismissal claims, not unfair dismissal

Use this form or another form?

Situation	Likely form	Why it matters	Check before you continue
Unfair dismissal (not general protections)	F16	Different legal test and remedies	Check if your dismissal meets the unfair dismissal definition
Bullying complaint	F72	Addresses workplace bullying specifically	Verify if the issue is bullying rather than dismissal discrimination
Adverse action (not dismissal)	F10	Covers broader workplace actions beyond dismissal	Confirm the action was adverse but not dismissal
Unlawful contract terms	F8	Challenges specific contract terms	Check if the issue is about contract terms rather than dismissal

Deadline or filing window

Applications must generally be filed within 21 days of the dismissal date. The Commission may accept late applications if there are exceptional circumstances, but this is not automatic.

Before you submit

• Verify all personal and employer details are correct
• Check that the dismissal date is accurately recorded
• Ensure all sections are completed with detailed explanations
• Attach relevant supporting documents
• Confirm the application is within the 21-day timeframe
• Review for any spelling or factual errors
• Make a copy of the complete application before submitting

How to file this form

1Complete the F10A form with all required information
2Gather supporting evidence like employment records and correspondence
3Submit through the Fair Work Commission online portal
4Keep a copy of your application and all supporting documents
5Wait for confirmation from the Fair Work Commission
6Prepare for potential conciliation or hearing if your application proceeds

Known limitations

• This form only covers general protections dismissal claims, not unfair dismissal
• The Commission may not accept applications filed more than 21 days after dismissal without exceptional circumstances
• The form requires specific details about the dismissal circumstances
• Remedies are limited to what the Commission can order based on the evidence provided
• The Commission cannot award compensation for hurt or distress

Almost done reviewing?

✦ Open in AI Editor

Current Form Status

The F10A form is current and valid as of the latest Fair Work Commission updates. Always check the Fair Work Commission website for any recent changes before submitting.

Agency: Fair Work Commission