Official form guide
Form F13: Application for a workplace determination
This form is used to apply to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to resolve a stand-down dispute. It’s needed when you want the FWC to handle an issue where someone might be stood down from work without legal reason.
Need help with Form F13?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F13 - Application for a workplace determination
This form is used to apply to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to resolve a stand-down dispute. It’s needed when you want the FWC to handle an issue where someone might be stood down from work without legal reason.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Forgetting to include your signature or authority can delay processing—always double-check that part before submitting.
- 2Missing applicant details (name/address)
- 3Failing to specify if you have a representative
- 4Not outlining the grounds for seeking orders
- 5Incorrect signature/authority information
Plain English
If you’re facing a workplace problem like being stood down and need the government’s help, this form lets you ask the Fair Work Commission to step in. Fill it out with your details and why you need their intervention.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this form when you need the Fair Work Commission to resolve a stand-down dispute—do it as soon as possible, either through their online portal or by mail/in-person.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
What this form is for
- Use this form when you want the Fair Work Commission to resolve a dispute where an employer stands an employee down without legal reason (e.g., due to breakdown of equipment or industrial action by others).
- This is not for disputes about unfair dismissal, pay rates, or other workplace issues—those require different forms.
- Ensure the stand-down is because the employer can’t reasonably be held responsible (per s.524(1)(a)-(c)).
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
An employer stands you down during industrial action (not organised by them)
To apply to the Fair Work Commission about the stand-down dispute
✓ Make sure you're an eligible applicant (employee stood down for that reason)
You need to serve documents on your employer after lodging this application
To comply with service requirements
✓ Have the correct contact info for your employer?
You want a lawyer or paid agent to represent you and need permission for a hearing
To follow representation rules
✓ Do you have their details ready?
Deadline or filing window
Not confirmed in official source
Before you submit
- 1Gather all supporting documents before lodging.
- 2Complete question 3.2 with clear grounds for seeking orders.
- 3Ensure "Authority to sign" matches your role (Applicant, employee of Applicant, or Representative if applicable).
- 4Double-check representative details if you're using one—name, ABN, contact info must match.
- 5Verify signature and date fields are filled correctly.
How to file this form
- 1Step 1: Prepare the form by outlining the stand-down grounds in question 3.2 (including relevant clauses from employment agreements).
- 2Step 2: Lodge the completed form with supporting docs via email to [email protected], post, or in person at your state/territory FWC office.
- 3Step 3: Serve a copy of the application on the Respondent—either by emailing them when you lodge (with the Commission) or using express/posted documents as soon as possible after lodgement.
- 4Step 4: If you have legal representation, fill out section "Your representative" with their details; otherwise mark "No".
- 5Step 5: Sign and date the form in the "Authority to sign" field.
Known limitations
- 1The Fair Work Commission staff cannot provide legal advice—use external counsel if needed.
- 2Failure to properly outline grounds or serve documents may delay your application.
- 3This form only addresses stand-down disputes; other workplace issues require separate forms (e.g., unfair dismissal).
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->This form is approved by the Fair Work Commission and will be effective from 17 September 2025.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Form approved with effect from 17 September 2025.
- Updated guidance on notifying the Commission of legal representation (use this form’s section or Form F53 later).
- Clarified methods for serving documents to the respondent.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number is confirmed as F13 from the source.
- SRCIssuing agency is Fair Work Commission (FWC) per source.
- SRCPurpose: Application for workplace determination regarding stand-down disputes, confirmed by form name and content.
- SRCLodgement methods include email, post, or in-person at state/territory offices—confirmed on page 1.
- SRCRepresentation guidance requires using this form’s section or Form F53 later—confirmed on pages 2 & 3.
Common confusion points
Forgetting to serve the Respondent—this can cause delays in processing.
Not specifying clear grounds in question 3.2; vague statements may be rejected.
Mixing up "representative" details—if using one, ensure all fields (name, ABN, contact) are accurate.
Using this form for unfair dismissal or pay disputes instead of the correct form (e.g., F7).
Not retaining a copy—page 9 explicitly says to keep it for records.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Australian Government Forms
BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.
Understand the agreement before you sign it.
Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.