Official form guide
Form F23: Application for consent arbitration
This form is an Application for consent arbitration (F23) issued by the Fair Work Commission. You use it when parties agree on a dispute but still need the FWC's formal approval before proceeding with arbitration.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F23 - Application for consent arbitration
This form is an Application for consent arbitration (F23) issued by the Fair Work Commission. You use it when parties agree on a dispute but still need the FWC's formal approval before proceeding with arbitration.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit without confirming *all* necessary parties have agreed to consent first.
- 2Missing signatures from one key party involved in the dispute.
- 3Incorrectly identifying the specific workplace or employment relationship.
- 4Failing to specify *what* the parties are consenting to arbitrate (the issue).
- 5Submitting a form that doesn't match the current case file number held by the FWC.
Plain English
Essentially, this paperwork lets you and another party tell the Fair Work Commission that you both agree to go through arbitration. Instead of fighting over whether to arbitrate or not, you are just asking for official sign-off on how it will happen. It speeds up the process when everyone is on the same page.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit it when you have reached an agreement with another party regarding a workplace dispute. This happens before the formal arbitration process starts.
- 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
- Use this if you and another party have agreed on how to resolve a workplace dispute.
- Do not use this if you are still arguing about what the issue is; use it after agreement.
- Use this when arbitration needs formal approval before the process starts.
- This form confirms consent, which moves the dispute forward within the FWC system.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Dispute exists, but parties haven't agreed on a resolution
Use that one first to establish the issue.
✓ Check if your agreement is final.
Application for Dispute Resolution (Different Form)
You want the FWC to decide everything without prior agreement
This asks the FWC to rule unilaterally.
✓ Ensure you are applying for consent, not determination.
Application for Determination/Arbitration (Different Form)
The dispute involves specific awards or agreements
The exact alternate form depends on the nature of the disagreement.
✓ Check the Fair Work Commission website guidance.
Deadline or filing window
While there isn't a strict submission deadline listed here, submitting it as soon as you reach agreement is best practice. Delaying it means delaying the start of your arbitration.
Before you submit
- 1Ensure all required boxes detailing consent are ticked correctly.
- 2Confirm both parties have signed and dated the application (if physical).
- 3Verify that the dispute details match what is recorded in your relevant FWC file.
- 4Double-check the names and addresses of all involved parties.
- 5Attach any necessary evidence supporting the agreement reached.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form F23 clearly and legibly.
- 2Sign and date the application as required by your role (e.g., Employee, Employer).
- 3Upload the completed form via the Fair Work Commission online portal.
- 4If submitting physically, send it to the correct FWC office address.
- 5Keep a copy of the final submitted version for your records.
Known limitations
- 1This form only confirms consent; it does not guarantee the arbitration will be swift or favourable.
- 2The specific outcome depends on the terms agreed upon in the attached documentation, not just this application.
- 3Not confirmed in official source: The deadline for submitting F23 might vary based on the dispute stage.
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 is the current Application for consent arbitration (F23) from the Fair Work Commission. It remains the standard form when parties agree on a dispute but require formal FWC sign-off.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check if there have been recent changes to required party details fields.
- Confirm the designated submission portal (e.g., FWC online portal) is current.
- Verify any updated definitions of 'parties' listed on the form.
- Review any new mandatory attachments specified in the instructions.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssuing Agency: Fair Work Commission
- SRCForm Number: F23
- SRCForm Name: Application for consent arbitration
- SRCContextual Use: Formal approval before proceeding to arbitration.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific required attachments list.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'consent' with 'agreement': Consent is the formal act of agreeing, often requiring the form.
Thinking you need a separate application when you already have one open: If it's open, use F23 to confirm agreement on *that* file.
Not specifying who represents which party: Clarity on representation matters greatly for FWC processing.
Submitting it too early or too late in the dispute timeline.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Australian Government Forms
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