Official form guide
Form F2: Employer declaration in support of application
Form F2 is the Fair Work Commission’s application for an unfair dismissal. Use it when you want the Commission to consider whether your dismissal was harsh, unjust or unreasonable.
Need help with Form F2?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F2 - Employer declaration in support of application
Form F2 is the Fair Work Commission’s application for an unfair dismissal. Use it when you want the Commission to consider whether your dismissal was harsh, unjust or unreasonable.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Missing the exceptional circumstances section when filing after 21 days will halt your claim.
- 2Failing to answer the 21‑day deadline question
- 3Leaving the representative details blank when you have a lawyer
- 4Not completing the exceptional circumstances questions if late
- 5Submitting an unsigned or incomplete form
Plain English
If you think you were unfairly sacked, you fill out this form to tell the Commission what happened. It asks who you are, if you have a lawyer or union rep, and why you’re applying now.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the form within 21 days of the dismissal. If you miss that window, you must complete the “Extension of time – exceptional circumstances” section.
- 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
- When you want the Commission to decide if your dismissal was harsh, unjust or unreasonable.
- When you are applying for an unfair dismissal claim (not other Fair Work matters).
- If you are within the 21‑day time limit, or you need to claim an extension because of exceptional circumstances.
- When you have a lawyer, paid agent or union representative you can list them, but it is not required.
- When you are ready to pay the application fee at the same time you lodge the form.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
You discover a representative after lodging the application
Used to notify the Commission of a new lawyer/agent or to seek permission for representation at a conference/hearing
✓ Verify you have already lodged Form F2 before using F53
Your claim is not about unfair dismissal (e.g., general protections, bullying)
Different statutory basis and time limits apply
✓ Check the specific claim type before starting F2
Relevant Fair Work Commission form (e.g., Form F3, F4)
You need to lodge a new unfair dismissal claim after the 21‑day limit without exceptional circumstances
Application will be rejected as incomplete
✓ Seek legal advice or consider other remedies
Not applicable – you cannot use F2
Deadline or filing window
The standard filing deadline is 21 days from the date of dismissal. Extensions are only granted for proven exceptional circumstances.
Before you submit
- 1Confirm employer’s legal name, ACN/ABN and contact details (p.7).
- 2Enter your start date and primary workplace address (p.7).
- 3Provide your own contact details and a clear signature.
- 4Complete the representative section if you have a lawyer, paid agent or union (p.6).
- 5If outside the 21‑day limit, answer all questions in the ‘Extension of time – exceptional circumstances’ section (p.11).
- 6Attach any supporting documents referenced in the form.
- 7Prepare the current application fee as shown on the Commission’s Fees and costs page.
- 8Choose a lodgement method: MyFWC portal, email ([email protected]) or post/in‑person (p.1).
- 9Keep a copy of the completed form and receipt of payment.
How to file this form
- 1Gather employer, workplace and personal details required on the form.
- 2Fill in the form electronically or on paper, including the representative and extension‑of‑time sections if needed.
- 3Attach any supporting evidence (e.g., termination letter, payslips).
- 4Pay the application fee at the same time you lodge.
- 5Submit via MyFWC portal, email to [email protected], or post/in‑person to the Commission office in your state/territory.
- 6Save the confirmation of receipt or email acknowledgement.
- 7If you need to add a representative later, complete Form F53.
Known limitations
- 1Only for unfair dismissal claims; other Fair Work matters require different forms.
- 2Application must be within 21 days unless you successfully demonstrate exceptional circumstances.
- 3Failure to complete the ‘Extension of time’ section when required makes the application incomplete.
- 4The form does not include the fee amount; you must check the Fees and costs page separately.
- 5Representation details are optional but must be accurate if provided.
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->Form F2 is the current Fair Work Commission unfair dismissal application, approved for use from 10 Nov 2025.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Form approved with effect from 10 Nov 2025 (p.1).
- Section on representatives added, clarifying lawyer/paid‑agent rules (p.3, p.6).
- Explicit instructions to pay the application fee at lodgement (p.1).
- Extension of time – exceptional circumstances section detailed (p.8, p.11).
- Online lodgement via MyFWC portal listed as an option (p.1).
- Not confirmed in official source: any changes to fee amounts since the last version.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm approved with effect from 10 Nov 2025p.1, p.3.
- SRCLodgement methods (MyFWC portal, email, post/in‑person)p.1.
- SRCApplication fee must be paid at lodgementp.1.
- SRCRepresentative definition and lawyer/paid‑agent rulesp.3, p.6.
- SRCEmployer details fields (legal name, ACN/ABN, contact)p.7.
- SRCEmployee start date and workplace address fieldsp.7.
- SRCExtension of timeexceptional circumstances requirement – p.8, p.11.
- SRCForm F53 used for post‑lodgement representation changesp.3.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact fee amount, any updates after 10 Nov 2025.
Common confusion points
Mixing up a ‘support person’ with a ‘representative’ – only a representative can act for you in legal submissions.
Assuming you need permission for a lawyer to prepare the application – permission is only needed for conference/hearing participation.
Leaving the ‘Extension of time’ section blank when applying after 21 days – the form will be marked incomplete.
Submitting the form without paying the fee at the same time – the application will not be processed.
Using the wrong lodgement channel (e.g., forgetting the MyFWC portal option).
Providing an ABN for a representative when it is not applicable – only include if the representative has an ABN.
Thinking the form can be used for other types of unfair work claims (e.g., general protections).
Not checking the current fee amount on the Commission’s website.
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.