🇦🇺FAIR WORKF20

Application for an award

The F20 form is an Application for an award submitted to the Fair Work Commission. It's used when an organization or employer wants to have an award made that sets out minimum terms and conditions of employment for workers in a specific industry or occupation.

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Form Overview

Application for an award

The form captures information about the proposed award, coverage, terms, conditions, and any supporting evidence or submissions.

Risk Radar

The most common mistake is not providing sufficient evidence that the award is necessary for the industry or occupation.
Incomplete form sections
Missing supporting documentation
Incorrect information about industry coverage
Failure to consult with relevant stakeholders

Plain English

This form lets employers or organizations ask for a formal workplace award that sets the minimum pay and conditions for workers in their industry. Awards are like rulebooks for employment that ensure fair treatment and minimum standards.

Submission Date

There is no fixed deadline for submitting the F20 form, but applications should be submitted well in advance of when the award is needed to allow for processing and potential objections.
Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

treatment award

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Quick Facts

Employers, employer organizations, or employees can submit this form to apply for a new award or to vary an existing one.

The form captures information about the proposed award, coverage, terms, conditions, and any supporting evidence or submissions.

Submit this form when you need to establish a new award or modify an existing one that covers workers in your industry or occupation.

Submit the form through the Fair Work Commission online portal, by mail to the Fair Work Commission, or in person at their offices.

Submitting correctly matters because errors or delays can result in your application being rejected or delayed, potentially leaving workers without proper minimum standards.

Complete all sections of the form with accurate information about the proposed award. Include any supporting documents and evidence. Submit through the online portal or by mail, keeping a copy for your records.

What this form is for

• Use this form to create a new award for an industry or occupation
• Use this form to vary an existing award
• Use this form to modernize an outdated award
• Use this form to cover new types of work or emerging industries
• Do not use this form for individual workplace agreements

Use this form or another form?

Situation	Likely form	Why it matters	Check before you continue
Enterprise Bargaining	F19 - Application for approval of an enterprise agreement	For workplace-specific agreements rather than industry-wide awards	Check if your workplace has enterprise bargaining requirements
Individual Flexibility Arrangements	F20A - Individual Flexibility Arrangement	For individual arrangements that vary award conditions	Ensure the arrangement doesn't reduce overall employee entitlements
Modern Awards Review	F20 with specific sections	For reviewing existing awards to update terms	Check if your award is scheduled for review
Dispute Resolution	F21 - Application for a hearing	For resolving disputes about award interpretation	Check if your issue relates to interpretation or application of an existing award

Deadline or filing window

There is no fixed deadline for submitting the F20 form, but applications should be submitted well in advance of when the award is needed to allow for processing and potential objections.

Before you submit

• Form is fully completed with all sections filled
• All required supporting documents are included
• Information about industry coverage is accurate
• Proposed terms comply with relevant legislation
• Form is signed by authorized person
• Copy of application is retained for records
• Application fee is paid if applicable

How to file this form

1Obtain the latest F20 form from the Fair Work Commission website
2Complete all sections with accurate information about the proposed award
3Gather supporting documentation and evidence
4Review the form for completeness and accuracy
5Submit through the online portal or by mail to the Fair Work Commission
6Pay any required application fee
7Keep a copy of the submitted form for your records

Known limitations

• The form cannot be used for individual employment contracts
• It cannot be used to bypass existing award requirements
• Applications must demonstrate a genuine need for the award
• The Fair Work Commission has discretion to reject applications
• Existing awards cannot be varied without proper justification

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Current Form Status

The F20 form is currently in use, but applicants should check the Fair Work Commission website for any recent updates before submitting.

Agency: Fair Work Commission

What changed or needs a fresh check

• Check if you're using the latest version of the form
• Verify that all sections are completed accurately
• Ensure supporting documentation is current
• Confirm that the proposed terms comply with current legislation
• Review any recent Fair Work Commission decisions that might affect your application

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