Official form guide
Form F32: Application for serious breach declaration
This is the Application for serious breach declaration (F32) issued by the Fair Work Commission. You use this form when you need to officially declare a serious workplace violation or breach under Australian employment law.
Need help with Form F32?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F32 - Application for serious breach declaration
This is the Application for serious breach declaration (F32) issued by the Fair Work Commission. You use this form when you need to officially declare a serious workplace violation or breach under Australian employment law.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not leave any section blank; even minor details matter for a serious breach declaration.
- 2Failing to clearly define *what* constitutes the 'serious' breach.
- 3Not providing accurate dates and times related to the incident.
- 4Submitting without attaching supporting evidence (like emails or payslips).
- 5Using vague language instead of specific factual statements.
Plain English
Think of this as an official complaint form for big issues at work. If something really serious has happened regarding your employment rights, this is what you fill out to tell the Fair Work Commission about it. It helps them start looking into the problem.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit it when a significant workplace breach occurs. There isn't one fixed deadline; timing depends on the severity of the issue.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
What this form is for
- Use this form when an employer or employee believes a major employment law rule has been broken.
- It is for formal declaration, not just casual complaints. Use it when you need official documentation.
- This applies to serious breaches under Australian workplace laws regulated by the Fair Work Commission.
- If the breach is minor, check if a simpler online notification is available first.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Minor pay issue
The F32 is for 'serious' matters only.
✓ Check Fair Work website for specific links.
Online Breach Report (if applicable)
Dispute over leave entitlements
This form declares the breach; another might ask for a resolution timeline.
✓ See what the issue specifically requires.
Application for Determination (likely)
General workplace dispute
The F32 focuses on *what* happened (the breach); others focus on *how* to fix it.
✓ Confirm if your case is about declaration or remedy.
Dispute Resolution Form (if available)
Unpaid superannuation
This fits perfectly as underpayment is often considered a serious breach.
✓ Ensure the amount/period matches what you are declaring.
Application for Declaration of Breach (F32)
Deadline or filing window
While there is no universal deadline listed, submit this form as soon as the serious breach occurs. Promptness helps the FWC act quickly.
Before you submit
- 1Ensure the declaring party's full name and contact details are complete.
- 2Clearly state *what* the serious breach is in the main declaration section.
- 3Attach all supporting evidence (payslips, emails, contracts) as required.
- 4Verify that the date of the alleged breach(es) is accurate.
- 5Check that you have signed and dated the form where indicated.
- 6If submitting online via myGov, ensure your login credentials are correct.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form F32 thoroughly using clear language.
- 2Gather supporting documentation related to the alleged serious breach.
- 3Decide on the submission method (e.g., Fair Work Commission online portal, email, or post).
- 4If submitting digitally, upload the completed form and evidence together.
- 5Keep a copy of the signed/completed F32 for your own records.
- 6Note down any confirmation reference number provided upon submission.
Known limitations
- 1This form itself does not guarantee the breach will be found 'serious' by the Commission.
- 2Not confirmed in official source: The specific threshold defining a 'serious breach' is detailed within the accompanying guidelines, not just on F32.
- 3The form does not replace the need for evidence; declarations without proof are weak.
- 4Filing this form does not automatically start all timelines; you must specify what action you want taken.
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 version of the Application for serious breach declaration (F32). It remains the primary document to use when formally notifying the Fair Work Commission about a significant workplace violation.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check if the Fair Work Commission has updated the specific definitions of 'serious breach' listed on page 1.
- Verify the required evidence upload formats (e.g., PDF vs. scanned image).
- Confirm the current date/version number printed at the top of the form.
- Review any changes to mandatory fields requiring input.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssuing Agency: Fair Work Commission
- SRCForm Identifier: F32
- SRCPurpose: Application for serious breach declaration
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific date of the latest revision.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'breach' vs. 'dispute': A dispute is disagreement; a breach is when a law has demonstrably been broken.
Not confirming the required level of detail: Some users only state, 'They didn't pay me on time.' The F32 needs *when* and *how much* late.
Thinking it starts action immediately: Filing it officially logs the event; the Commission still has to review it before taking action.
Not knowing which party to declare from: You must state whether you are declaring a breach *by* an employer or *by* another employee/entity.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Australian Government Forms
BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.
Understand the agreement before you sign it.
Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.