Official form guide
Form F31: Application for transfer of loan order
Form F31 is the Fair Work Commission’s application for a scope order. It is used when a bargaining representative wants the Commission to decide which employees a proposed single‑enterprise agreement will cover.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F31 - Application for transfer of loan order
Form F31 is the Fair Work Commission’s application for a scope order. It is used when a bargaining representative wants the Commission to decide which employees a proposed single‑enterprise agreement will cover.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Most applications are rejected because the required prior written notice and response period aren’t documented.
- 2Failing to show you gave written notice and waited a reasonable time
- 3Submitting while a single‑interest employer authorisation is still in place
- 4Leaving the representative section blank when you have one
- 5Incorrect or missing ABN/ACN details
Plain English
If you’re the person negotiating a new enterprise agreement and you think the group of workers covered isn’t fair, you can ask the Commission to set the scope. This form asks you to confirm you’ve warned the other parties, waited for a response, and meet good‑faith bargaining rules.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the form after you have given written notice of your concerns to the relevant bargaining representatives, allowed a reasonable response time, and received no satisfactory reply. Not confirmed in official source for any fixed deadline.
- 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 are a bargaining representative for a proposed single‑enterprise agreement and want the Commission to decide which employees the agreement covers.
- You have already given a written notice of concerns to the relevant bargaining representatives and have given them reasonable time to respond.
- You have not received an appropriate response to that notice.
- A single‑interest employer authorisation is not in operation for the agreement.
- You do not need to use this form if you are only seeking legal advice or general information.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need to give notice of lawyer or paid agent
Required before a lawyer can act for you at the Commission
✓ Confirm you have lodged Form F53 and obtained permission
Form F53 – Notice of lawyer/paid agent
No written notice of concerns has been given
The notice is a prerequisite for a scope order
✓ Provide the written notice before using Form F31
Not applicable – you must first give the notice
Single‑interest employer authorisation is in place
Authorisation blocks scope‑order applications
✓ Check the authorisation status before proceeding
Not applicable – you cannot use Form F31
Deadline or filing window
There is no set statutory deadline, but the form must be lodged after the notice and response steps and before the agreement is finalised. Not confirmed in official source for exact timing.
Before you submit
- 1Attach a copy of the written notice of concerns to the application.
- 2List each person the notice was given to and the date it was sent.
- 3Include any other supporting documents required for the scope order.
- 4Select the correct authority to sign (Applicant or Representative).
- 5Sign the form – type your name if filing electronically.
- 6Confirm no single‑interest employer authorisation applies.
- 7If you have a lawyer or paid agent, ensure Form F53 has been lodged.
- 8Choose a lodging method (email, post, or in‑person) and address correctly.
- 9Prepare to serve copies on each Respondent and other bargaining representatives.
- 10Keep a copy of the lodged form and all service receipts.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form F31 on paper or electronically.
- 2Attach the written notice of concerns and any other supporting documents.
- 3Email the package to [email protected], or post/in‑person deliver it to the Commission office in your state/territory.
- 4Record the date and method of lodging for your records.
- 5Serve a copy of everything you lodged on each Respondent and any other bargaining representative (email, express post or registered post).
- 6Retain proof of service (receipt, email confirmation, tracking number).
- 7Monitor your email and mail for any Commission correspondence.
Known limitations
- 1The form cannot be used while a single‑interest employer authorisation is in operation.
- 2You must have given the written notice of concerns first; the form will be rejected without it.
- 3Commission staff cannot give you legal advice, only procedural information.
- 4Representation by a lawyer or paid agent requires a separate Form F53 and permission.
- 5Electronic filing without an electronic signature must use a typed name in the signature field.
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.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form F31 is the Fair Work Commission’s Application for a scope order, approved with effect from 17 September 2025.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form version is the one approved on 17 Sept 2025.
- Confirm you attach a copy of the written notice of concerns (required by the new version).
- Verify the correct email address for lodging ([email protected]).
- Ensure you use the updated ‘Authority to sign’ wording (Applicant or Representative).
- If filing electronically, confirm you can type your name in the signature field.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm approved with effect from 17 September 2025confirmed in source.
- SRCPurpose: Application for a scope orderconfirmed in source.
- SRCWho can use: bargaining representative for a proposed single‑enterprise agreementconfirmed in source.
- SRCPrerequisite: written notice of concerns and reasonable response timeconfirmed in source.
- SRCCannot apply if single‑interest employer authorisation is in operationconfirmed in source.
- SRCLodging methods: email ([email protected]), post, in‑personconfirmed in source.
- SRCService methods: email, express post, registered postconfirmed in source.
- SRCRepresentation notice requirement (Form F53)confirmed in source.
- SRCLanguage assistance tick boxconfirmed in source.
- SRCSignature instructions (type name if no electronic signature)confirmed in source.
Common confusion points
Mixing up “scope order” with “loan order” – this form is only for scope orders.
Forgetting to attach the written notice of concerns.
Not serving copies on all Respondents and other bargaining representatives after lodging.
Using the wrong word in the ‘Authority to sign’ field (Applicant vs Representative).
Assuming Commission staff will give legal advice.
Overlooking the need for Form F53 if you have a lawyer or paid agent.
Submitting the form while a single‑interest employer authorisation is still active.
Believing an electronic signature is required; a typed name is acceptable.
Source transparency
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