Official form guide
Form F18: Application for transferable instrument
This form is a declaration by an employee organisation (like a union) about an enterprise agreement application with the Fair Work Commission. Use it if you're an officer of your union representing employees for an agreement that's being considered, and want to support/oppose approval or provide views on key aspects like 'better off overall'.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F18 - Application for transferable instrument
This form is a declaration by an employee organisation (like a union) about an enterprise agreement application with the Fair Work Commission. Use it if you're an officer of your union representing employees for an agreement that's being considered, and want to support/oppose approval or provide views on key aspects like 'better off overall'.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Not submitting before the Commission approves the agreement—this is a key deadline, so make sure to lodge in time.
- 2forgetting to answer if you want coverage (yes/no question)
- 3Not providing accurate contact info for the union
- 4submitting after approval deadline
- 5failing to attach additional pages needed
Plain English
If your union is negotiating a new workplace agreement with your employer, this form lets you tell the Fair Work Commission what you think—whether you back it, oppose it, or have concerns about how employees will be affected. It's used when the employer has already submitted their application (Form F16), and you want to share your side.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this form before the Fair Work Commission approves the enterprise agreement—this is a key deadline so it doesn't get missed.
- 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 this form if you’re an employee organisation (like a union) making a declaration about an enterprise agreement application with the Fair Work Commission.
- It’s for applications related to enterprise agreements that aren’t classified as 'greenfields' agreements.
- If you’re lodging this form at the same time as Form F16, use the Commission’s Online Lodgment Service; otherwise lodge separately via email, post, or in person.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Situation
Why it matters
✓ Check before you continue
You are applying as an individual employee (not representing employees via a union)
Individual applications use different forms; this one is for unions.
✓ Confirm if you’re acting on behalf of employees.
Your enterprise agreement is a 'greenfields' type
Greenfields agreements have separate processes and rules.
✓ Verify your agreement’s classification before proceeding.
You are not an employee organisation (e.g., a business owner)
This form requires union representation; non-union entities use other documents.
✓ Ensure you represent employees through a recognised union.
Alternative forms like F16 if you’re an individual applicant
Deadline or filing window
You must lodge this form with the Fair Work Commission before they approve the enterprise agreement; missing this deadline could delay or prevent your union's input from being considered.
Before you submit
- 1Confirm you’re an employee organisation (union) and have authority to represent employees.
- 2Gather complete contact details for your union branch, including postal address, suburb/state/territory/postcode.
- 3Collect name, position/email/phone of the union’s designated contact person(s).
- 4Verify if the enterprise agreement is a 'greenfields' type—if so, this form may not apply.
- 5Obtain consent from the union to provide contact details for research participation (if applicable; page 9).
- 6Prepare a signature and date for section 10 (page 9) where false information is a serious offence.
How to file this form
- 1Collect all required information about your union branch, agreement specifics, and contact details.
- 2Complete sections on pages 4-9 of Form F18, ensuring accuracy in every field.
- 3Attach additional pages if more space is needed (as noted on page 4).
- 4If lodging with Form F16 at the same time, use the Commission’s Online Lodgment Service per page 1 instructions; otherwise lodge separately via email, post, or in person.
Known limitations
- 1This form applies only to enterprise agreements (excluding 'greenfields' agreements); verify your agreement type.
- 2False or misleading information is a serious offence with up to 12 months imprisonment—ensure all details are accurate.
- 3Representation by lawyers/paid agents has restrictions; check page 3 for exceptions and requirements.
- 4The Commission may disclose your information to other parties in the matter (page 3 privacy note).
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.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->This form was approved by the Fair Work Commission and became effective from 6 January 2025.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Form approved with effect from 6 January 2025 (per page 4).
- Check for any newer updates or practice notes that might affect submission requirements.
- Review representation rules (rules 11-14) to ensure compliance if using a lawyer/paid agent.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm F18 is approved with effect from 6 January 2025 (confirmed on page 4).
- SRCLodging options include email, post, or in person at state/territory offices (page 1).
- SRCRepresentation by lawyers/paid agents has exceptions for union employees/officers (page 3).
- SRCFalse information is a serious offence with up to 12 months imprisonment (page 9).
- SRCConsent to research contact may be required if you want to participate in studies (page 9).
Common confusion points
Confusing this form with Form F16 (individual vs union application).
Forgetting to specify whether the agreement is a 'greenfields' type and thus needing a different process.
Not providing complete contact information for your union branch or designated person(s) on page 4.
Neglecting to sign section 10 (page 9), which confirms accuracy of information.
Misunderstanding representation rules—assuming you can represent without notice if not an employee/union officer.
Source transparency
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