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Official form guide

Form F21: Application for dispute resolution

This form, F21, is an official Application for dispute resolution issued by the Fair Work Commission. You use it when you and another party disagree about a workplace issue that needs the Commission's help.

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Form Overview

Fair Work Commission Form F21 - Application for dispute resolution

This form, F21, is an official Application for dispute resolution issued by the Fair Work Commission. You use it when you and another party disagree about a workplace issue that needs the Commission's help.

It captures details about the dispute itself and requires declarations from the applicant. You state who is involved and what the core issue is.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1Don't forget to specify *exactly* what the disagreement is about.
  • 2Failing to identify all parties involved in the dispute.
  • 3Vague description of the actual workplace issue.
  • 4Not signing and dating the form correctly.
  • 5Submitting it without attaching supporting evidence (if required).

Plain English

Think of this as asking the Fair Work Commission to step in and sort out a fight at work. If you can't agree on something with your employer or co-worker, this form starts the formal process for them to resolve it.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: Submit this when a specific workplace dispute has occurred or when you need to formally initiate action. There are no set deadlines listed in the official source, so timing depends on your situation.
  • 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

dispute

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • You disagree with your employer or employee about a workplace issue.
  • The matter needs the Fair Work Commission's help to resolve it.
  • This form starts the official dispute process.
  • Use this if you are unsure which specific resolution pathway to take.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Unpaid Wages Dispute

Use this if the core issue is pay, but other issues exist.

✓ Check for a dedicated 'Wage Claim' option first.

F21 (or specific wage claim)

Bullying/Harassment Complaint

Use this to formally lodge a complaint about behaviour at work.

✓ Not confirmed in official source (but highly likely).

F21

Unfair Dismissal Application

This is often the main gateway form used alongside specific unfair dismissal claims.

✓ Check if the system directs you to a specialized claim form first.

F21

Breach of Award Dispute

Use this when the workplace rules (Award) have been broken.

✓ Not confirmed in official source.

F21

Deadline or filing window

While specific deadlines aren't confirmed in the official source, aim to file this as soon as the dispute becomes active. Quick submission helps speed up resolution.

Before you submit

  1. 1Ensure both parties involved are clearly named and contact details are correct.
  2. 2State precisely what the dispute is about in the summary section.
  3. 3Attach all relevant supporting documents (payslips, emails, etc.).
  4. 4Confirm if you are applying on behalf of yourself or another party.
  5. 5Double-check that the date of the incident(s) is accurate.

How to file this form

  1. 1Complete every section of Form F21 thoroughly.
  2. 2Gather and attach copies of all evidence.
  3. 3Decide whether to submit via paper mail, online portal, or in person.
  4. 4Sign and date the form where required.
  5. 5Keep a copy for your own records before sending it off.

Known limitations

  1. 1This form initiates the dispute; it does not resolve the issue itself.
  2. 2The Commission may require further forms after you submit F21.
  3. 3Not confirmed in official source: There might be specific circumstances requiring a different initial application.
  4. 4If lodging online, ensure your myGov account is linked correctly.

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

7 fields

Applicant

1 items

Applicant Name and Contact

Full name (and representative, if any), postal address, email, and phone number of the person or organisation lodging the application.

Requiredtext

Respondent

1 items

Respondent / Employer Details

The exact legal name and ABN of the employer or other party the application is made against.

Requiredtext

The Matter

2 items

Type of Application

Identify the kind of matter — for example, unfair dismissal, general protections, or an agreement application.

Requiredselect
Details of the Dispute

A clear description of what happened, relevant dates, and the outcome you are seeking.

Requiredtext

Dates

1 items

Key Dates

Relevant dates such as the date of dismissal or the date the issue arose — these determine whether you are within time.

Requireddate

Supporting

1 items

Attachments

Any documents that support your application, such as letters, contracts, or notices.

text

Declaration

1 items

Signature and Date

Sign and date the form. Applications may also require a fee or an application for a fee waiver.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
FAIR_WORK

Form F21 is the standard application used to start a dispute resolution process with the Fair Work Commission. Check the FAIR_WORK website for any recent updates or digital replacements.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Verify the current version number listed on the form itself.
  • Check for changes regarding who can lodge the dispute (e.g., union vs. individual).
  • Confirm if digital submission via the Fair Work Commission online portal is mandatory now.
  • Review requirements for attaching evidence documents.

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Quick Facts

An employee, employer, union representative, or other relevant party needs to complete this form. Anyone involved in the workplace disagreement can file it.
It captures details about the dispute itself and requires declarations from the applicant. You state who is involved and what the core issue is.
Submit this when a specific workplace dispute has occurred or when you need to formally initiate action. There are no set deadlines listed in the official source, so timing depends on your situation.
You can typically submit it via the Fair Work Commission online portal. Alternatively, mailing or handing it in at an office is usually possible.
Submitting it correctly ensures the right dispute gets heard by the Commission. Errors can cause delays or mean the wrong people are involved in the resolution process.
First, fill in all personal and party details accurately. Next, clearly describe the dispute on the designated sections of F21. Finally, sign and submit it through your preferred channel (online is recommended).

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Sources

  • SRCIssuing Agency: Fair Work Commission (FAIR_WORK)
  • SRCForm Number: F21
  • SRCPurpose: Application for dispute resolution
  • SRCContext: Used to start formal workplace disagreements with the FWC.

Common confusion points

Confusing 'Dispute' vs. 'Claim': A dispute is a disagreement; a claim asks the Commission to grant something (like back pay).

Not knowing which party to list: Ensure you correctly identify yourself and the other side.

Forgetting the date of the incident: This detail is crucial for timelines.

Thinking F21 is enough: It starts things, but follow-up actions are usually required.

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Source transparency

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