Official form guide
Form F23A: Consent arbitration (additional party)
This Fair Work Commission form (F23A) is used to formally grant consent for an additional party to participate in arbitration proceedings. It allows a current or interested party to agree to the involvement of another individual or entity within the dispute resolution process.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F23A - Consent arbitration (additional party)
This Fair Work Commission form (F23A) is used to formally grant consent for an additional party to participate in arbitration proceedings. It allows a current or interested party to agree to the involvement of another individual or entity within the dispute resolution process.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Ensure every required signatory signs and dates the form before submission.
- 2Failure to include all necessary signatories' signatures.
- 3Incorrectly identifying the scope of the additional party's involvement.
- 4Submitting the form without verifying current arbitration case details (Case Number).
- 5Assuming consent is granted without formal documentation from all parties.
Plain English
If you are involved in a workplace disagreement handled by Fair Work, this form lets you officially agree that someone else should also be included in the discussion. Think of it as giving permission for an extra person or group to weigh in on your case before the Commission.
Submission Date
- Filing date: This form is used when a new party needs to join an existing, active arbitration case before the Fair Work 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
- Use this when an existing party wants another person or entity to join the dispute resolution process.
- Select this if you are agreeing to let a third party participate in the arbitration case.
- Do not use this form if you are initiating a brand new claim or application.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Starting a new workplace dispute
This form is only for adding parties, not starting the case.
✓ Check other forms on the Fair Work Commission website.
Initial Application Form (e.g., F23A-1)
Seeking advice or mediation before arbitration
Arbitration requires formal consent; this form handles that agreement.
✓ Confirm if mediation is appropriate first.
Formal closure of a dispute
This form deals with adding parties during an active case, not ending it.
✓ Ensure all parties have signed off on the resolution.
Settlement Agreement/Closure Notice
Changing contact details for existing party
The F23A only addresses consent to participation, not basic updates.
✓ Use standard administrative channels for simple changes.
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed deadline; however, it must be submitted promptly to avoid procedural delays in your arbitration case.
Before you submit
- 1Ensure all signing parties understand they are consenting to arbitration involvement.
- 2Include the relevant Fair Work Commission case number on the form.
- 3Attach proof that the additional party has been formally notified of the process.
- 4Verify that all required signatures (including the additional party) are present and legible.
- 5Keep a copy of the fully executed form for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of the F23A using plain language.
- 2Gather supporting documentation, such as previous correspondence or case notices.
- 3Have all consenting parties sign the document where required.
- 4Submit the signed form and attachments via the Fair Work Commission online portal (if applicable).
- 5Note the date and time of submission for tracking purposes.
Known limitations
- 1This form only grants consent; it does not guarantee a specific outcome in arbitration.
- 2The ability to add parties is subject to the discretion and rules of the Commission.
- 3If the additional party opposes involvement, this consent form will be invalid.
- 4Not confirmed in official source: Specific processing times are not guaranteed.
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->Always check the Fair Work Commission website for the latest version of F23A. Ensure all parties involved are aware of any procedural deadlines.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify the current year and form version number printed on the document.
- Confirm if any specific procedural rules have changed since the last usage date.
- Check if the required supporting documentation (e.g., existing case file numbers) are updated.
- Review the defined scope of 'additional party' as outlined in the instructions.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCAgency: Fair Work Commission
- SRCForm Number: F23A
- SRCTopic: Consent arbitration (additional party)
- SRCPurpose: Formal agreement for third-party involvement in dispute resolution.
- SRCContext: Australian workplace law and industrial relations.
Common confusion points
Confusing consent (F23A) with initiating a complaint or claim.
Assuming signing this form automatically resolves underlying disputes between parties.
Not realizing that every consenting party must sign the document.
Believing the Commission can force an additional party to participate after consent is granted.
Source transparency
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