Official form guide
Form F19: Application for common rule declaration
This form is used to apply for approval of a greenfields agreement (made under section 182(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009) from the Fair Work Commission. Use it if you're an employer or bargaining representative who wants the Commission to approve your new work agreement.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F19 - Application for common rule declaration
This form is used to apply for approval of a greenfields agreement (made under section 182(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009) from the Fair Work Commission. Use it if you're an employer or bargaining representative who wants the Commission to approve your new work agreement.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Forgetting to include the signed copy of your agreement or submitting after the 14-day window is a common mistake.
- 2Not including a signed copy of the agreement
- 3Missing representative details (like ABN for reps)
- 4Failing to meet the 14-day submission deadline
- 5Incorrectly identifying the type of enterprise agreement
Plain English
This form helps you ask the Fair Work Commission to say yes to a new workplace agreement for your business, making sure employees get fair terms under Australian law.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this form within 14 days after making your greenfields agreement.
- 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 to apply to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for approval of a greenfields agreement made under section 182(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009.
- This is for employers or bargaining representatives who want the FWC to approve their new work agreement.
- Only use this if you’ve already created a greenfields agreement and need official approval from the Commission.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
If your greenfields agreement was made under section 182(4) of the Fair Work Act 2009
Using this specific form ensures your application follows the correct process for that section
✓ Confirm your agreement falls under section 182(4); if not, use Form F19
If you are dealing with a non-greenfields agreement (not made under section 182(3))
Using the right form for non-greenfields agreements ensures proper processing by the Fair Work Commission
✓ Verify your agreement isn't a greenfields; if it is, use Form F19
If you are an employer or bargaining representative completing this form on behalf of someone else
This form applies to applications for approval of greenfields agreements made under section 182(3)
✓ Confirm your role and the agreement type match what's required before proceeding
Deadline or filing window
You must lodge this form within 14 days after making your greenfields agreement.
Before you submit
- 1Make sure you’ve made a greenfields agreement under section 182(3) of Fair Work Act before applying—this form is only for applications after an agreement
- 2Gather all required documents: This Form F19, a copy of the signed agreement with employer and employee rep signatures/authority, and if applicable, written instrument of appointment for bargaining representative
- 3Ensure contact details (legal name, ACN/trading name, ABN, postal address, phone/email) are accurate on page 5
- 4Complete sections 3.1-4.1 correctly—especially if you’re appointing employer or union representatives
- 5Verify the signature and date on page 11 is complete before submission
How to file this form
- 1Step 1: Create a greenfields agreement under section 182(3) of Fair Work Act (if not already done)
- 2Step 2: Within 14 days after making the agreement, prepare Form F19 and collect required documents
- 3Step 3: Lodge the form by email to [email protected] or post/in person at your state/territory FWC office
- 4Step 4: As soon as possible after lodging, serve copies of all lodged documents on each covered employer and employee organisation (by email, express post, or registered post)
- 5Step 5: Keep a copy for your records—source notes to retain Form F19 for personal use
Known limitations
- 1The Fair Work Commission cannot provide legal advice; staff can only give procedural info.
- 2Representation by lawyers or paid agents may require notice (Form F53) unless exceptions apply.
- 3This form is for greenfields agreements under section 182(3); other agreement types need different forms.
- 4Retain a copy of the completed form for your records.
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 was approved with effect from 17 September 2025 by the Fair Work Commission.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- The current approved version of Form F19 takes effect from 17 September 2025—ensure you’re using the latest version
- Confirm all deadlines in section 2 (lodging within 14 days after agreement) are still valid for your situation
- Check the FWC website at www.fwc.gov.au for any updates or additional resources related to this form
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number is F19, issued by Fair Work Commission (FAIR_WORK).
- SRCValidity date from source: approved with effect from 17 September 2025.
- SRCRequired documents include a signed agreement and possibly Form F20/F21 if applicable.
- SRCLodging timeframe: within 14 days after the agreement is made.
Common confusion points
Confusing Form F19 with Form F20/F21: F19 is the main approval application; F20/F21 are declarations by employers/employee organisations.
Forgetting to include all required signatures and authority explanations in the agreement (e.g., employer's signature, employee rep's authority).
Not addressing question 3.1 about employer bargaining representatives – if "yes", need to provide details on Form F19 section 3.2.
Delaying serving copies of lodged documents to covered parties beyond what's practicable.
Source transparency
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