Official form guide
Form F19: Application for common rule declaration
This form, F19, is an Application for a Common Rule Declaration issued by the Fair Work Commission. You use it when you need the Commission to formally declare or recognise a set of rules that apply across different workplaces or industries.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F19 - Application for common rule declaration
This form, F19, is an Application for a Common Rule Declaration issued by the Fair Work Commission. You use it when you need the Commission to formally declare or recognise a set of rules that apply across different workplaces or industries.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit without confirming every signatory has signed off on the rules listed!
- 2Listing ambiguous rule wording
- 3Missing signatures from key parties
- 4Failing to declare all applicable workplaces
- 5Submitting an outdated version of the rules
Plain English
Think of this as asking the Fair Work Commission to stamp approval on your workplace rules. If many businesses follow the same rules, this form helps get those rules officially recognised under Australian law. It clarifies what everyone agrees to follow.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this when a group of workplaces has agreed on standard conditions but hasn't had them formally recognised by the Commission yet.
- 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
- You need the Commission to officially recognise rules that apply across multiple workplaces or industries.
- Use this if your workplace agreement is too specific and you want broader industry coverage.
- Select this when a single set of conditions needs to cover several different employment settings.
- It's for formal declaration, not just informal recognition by management.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Individual Workplace Agreement
Used if rules only apply to one company/site.
✓ Check the FWC portal for the exact name.
Not confirmed in official source (might be a specific agreement form)
Modern Award Application
Use this when applying for a new industry-wide award, not just declaring existing rules.
✓ See if your rules match an existing Award structure.
Not confirmed in official source (e.g., Dispute Notice)
This is reactive; F19 is often proactive.
✓ Verify if you are applying before or after the issue arose.
Used when asking the Commission to *make* a rule after a dispute has occurred.
Deadline or filing window
There isn't a fixed deadline unless specified by your case; however, submitting late means delays in getting official declaration.
Before you submit
- 1Double-check that all sections requiring input have a response, even if it's 'Not applicable'.
- 2Attach copies of any existing agreements or rules you want declared.
- 3Verify your contact information is correct so the FWC can reply.
- 4Ensure the declaration scope (which industries/workplaces) is clearly defined.
- 5Proofread for spelling and grammatical errors before final submission.
- 6Confirm the date of application matches when you are actually submitting it.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required fields on Form F19 using clear, concise language.
- 2Gather supporting evidence that justifies the need for a Common Rule Declaration.
- 3Upload or attach these documents according to the Fair Work Commission's submission guidelines (e.g., via their online portal).
- 4Submit the form through the designated channel (usually the FWC website/portal).
- 5Save a PDF copy of the fully completed and submitted application for your records.
Known limitations
- 1The form itself does not guarantee the Commission will grant the declaration.
- 2Submission via one method might require subsequent confirmation through another channel (e.g., email follow-up).
- 3The specific requirements for evidence vary based on the industry context of your application.
- 4Not confirmed in official source: There might be different submission portals depending on whether you are an employer or employee.
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 F19 application is the standard method for seeking a Common Rule Declaration from the Fair Work Commission. Check the latest version on the Fair Work Commission website before starting.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the current version number listed on the form itself.
- Check for any updated definitions of 'Common Rule' within the document.
- Verify if there have been changes to required supporting documentation.
- Look for updates regarding how declarations are made (e.g., specific tribunal procedures).
- Ensure the contact details listed for the Fair Work Commission are current.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm Name: Application for common rule declaration
- SRCForm Number: F19
- SRCIssuing Agency: Fair Work Commission (FAIR_WORK)
- SRCContext: Used when seeking formal recognition of rules across multiple workplaces/industries.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific required supporting documents list.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Declaration' (formal recognition) with 'Determination' (a final ruling made by the Commission).
Not knowing how broad the rule needs to be—is it just one suburb or a whole state?
Forgetting to specify *why* an existing award isn't sufficient for your rules.
Submitting without clearly linking the proposed Common Rule back to relevant Fair Work legislation.
Source transparency
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