Official form guide
Form F20: Application for an award
This form is an Application for an award issued by the Fair Work Commission (F20). You use it when you need the Commission to create or change a formal employment award that sets industry standards.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F20 - Application for an award
This form is an Application for an award issued by the Fair Work Commission (F20). You use it when you need the Commission to create or change a formal employment award that sets industry standards.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Don't forget to specify *why* the current award needs changing; just stating a problem isn't enough.
- 2Failing to specify which Award the application relates to.
- 3Missing required supporting documentation (e.g., evidence of consultation).
- 4Incorrectly identifying the parties applying on behalf of the industry/employees.
- 5Not clearly justifying the need for the proposed change in the award terms.
Plain English
Basically, this form asks the Fair Work Commission to officially recognise or update rules for how certain jobs should be paid and treated. If your workplace needs specific pay rates or conditions agreed upon by an Award, you use this document.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this when an existing Award needs updating, or when a new industry-wide standard (Award) needs to be created from scratch. There are no set deadlines unless specifically requested by the Commission.
- 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 a new formal employment award created from scratch.
- You want to change or amend an existing, current industry award.
- Your workplace needs specific terms that aren't covered by any current award.
- You are applying for an Award that covers a specific industry sector in Australia.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Seeking a determination on a single dispute
Use this if the issue is narrow, not broad enough for a full award.
✓ Check FWC portal for current number.
Application for Determination (F-number TBD)
Applying to vary an existing award clause only
Use this when you don't need a whole new award, just a small tweak.
✓ Confirm if variation requires separate submission.
Award Variation Application (Specific form/section)
Lodging a Fair Work Information Statement
Use this for general information submissions without asking for a formal ruling yet.
✓ Check if your request qualifies as an 'application'.
Not confirmed in official source
Not confirmed in official source
✓ Always verify on the Fair Work Commission website.
Deadline or filing window
There is no universal deadline, but applications should be submitted as soon as negotiations or industry consultation concludes. Prompt submission speeds up review time significantly.
Before you submit
- 1Have all sections of the F20 been completed?
- 2Is the correct industry or occupation clearly defined?
- 3Are supporting documents attached (e.g., evidence of current pay rates, business needs)?
- 4Does the contact information provided match your official details?
- 5If submitting online via myGov/FWC portal, is the file size within limits?
- 6Have you signed and dated the form where required?
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of the F20 Application for an award.
- 2Gather necessary evidence to support your request (e.g., market data, industry benchmarks).
- 3Either upload the completed form and documents via the Fair Work Commission online portal or print/scan them.
- 4If printing, ensure you sign and date the hard copy.
- 5Submit the application through the designated channel (online is preferred).
- 6Keep a record of your submission confirmation number.
Known limitations
- 1This form alone does not guarantee approval; the Commission must still assess it.
- 2It applies to 'awards'; if you need an agreement, use a different mechanism.
- 3The specific fee amount required is not confirmed in this source.
- 4Not confirmed in official source (Check for jurisdiction-specific variations).
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 F20 is the standard application for an award with the Fair Work Commission. Always check the latest version on the Fair Work Commission website before starting.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the date stamp for the current version.
- Verify if any new required attachments have been added since your last review.
- Confirm the specific naming convention used for the industry/occupation you are applying for.
- Look for updates regarding digital submission requirements (e.g., mandatory use of the FWC online portal).
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCAgency: Fair Work Commission (FAIR_WORK)
- SRCForm Number: F20
- SRCPurpose: Application for an award
- SRCContext: Sets industry standards for employment.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific fee structure.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Award' with a 'Modern Award': They are related, but an award is the formal document itself.
Not knowing whether you need to *create* or *vary*—read the instructions carefully!
Assuming the Commission will automatically know your industry; always name it explicitly.
Thinking that submitting the form means it's approved; submission starts the process, not finishes it.
Source transparency
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