Official form guide
Form F46: Application for order about contravention
Form F46 is the Fair Work Commission application to make, vary or revoke a modern award. Use it when you want the Commission to create a new award, change an existing one, or cancel it.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F46 - Application for order about contravention
Form F46 is the Fair Work Commission application to make, vary or revoke a modern award. Use it when you want the Commission to create a new award, change an existing one, or cancel it.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Signing with the wrong authority label is a common slip‑up.
- 2Using the wrong authority label when signing
- 3Leaving language or assistance boxes blank when needed
- 4Failing to include a representative’s details if you have one
- 5Sending the form to the wrong address or via an unsupported method
Plain English
If you need a new award, want to tweak an old one, or wish it to be removed, you fill out this form. It tells the Commission who you are, what you want, and how you want to be represented.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the form whenever you decide to apply outside the annual wage review cycle. No specific statutory deadline is listed.
- 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 when you want the Commission to create a new modern award.
- Use when you want to change (vary) an existing modern award.
- Use when you want the Commission to cancel (revoke) a modern award.
- You can apply for two or more related award matters in one F46.
- You must also lodge Form F48 to get directions on how to serve the application.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need only directions on how to serve documents
F48 tells you how and when to serve copies
✓ Verify you are also filing the main application (F46) if you need an award change
Form F48 – Application for directions on procedure
Applying for a modern award without needing service directions
No separate F48 required
✓ Check any prior directions or orders first
Form F46 alone (if the Commission has already given service directions)
Applying for a workplace dispute not about a modern award
Different form covers general disputes
✓ Confirm the matter is about making, varying or revoking a modern award
Not Form F46 (likely another Fair Work Commission form)
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed filing deadline; submit as soon as you decide to apply to avoid unnecessary waiting.
Before you submit
- 1Completed all sections of Form F46.
- 2Attached a completed Form F48.
- 3Included any supporting documents required for your award change.
- 4Signed the form with the correct authority label.
- 5Typed your name if no electronic signature is available.
- 6Specified any special assistance needed at a hearing or conference.
- 7Indicated whether you have a representative and provided their details.
- 8Chosen a lodgment method (email to [email protected], post, or in‑person).
- 9Kept a copy of the whole submission for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Fill out Form F46 and the accompanying Form F48.
- 2Gather all supporting documents for your award application.
- 3Sign the form with the appropriate authority (Applicant, position title or Representative).
- 4Lodge the forms and documents by email, post, or in‑person at the Commission office.
- 5If the Commission directs you to serve the application, follow the service method and timeframe they provide.
- 6Retain a copy of everything you submitted.
Known limitations
- 1Commission staff cannot give legal advice – they only provide procedural information.
- 2Representation is optional; you do not need permission to use a lawyer or paid agent unless directed by a Member.
- 3The form only covers making, varying or revoking modern awards – other dispute types need different forms.
- 4You must lodge Form F48 for service directions; the Commission may not give directions without it.
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 F46 is the approved Fair Work Commission form for applying to make, vary or revoke a modern award, effective from 17 September 2025.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Form approved with effect from 17 Sept 2025 – confirm you have the latest version.
- Include a completed Form F48 for service directions.
- Provide authority to sign details (Applicant, position title or Representative).
- If filing electronically and no e‑signature, type your name in the signature field.
- Answer the special assistance question (hearing loop, etc.).
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm approved with effect from 17 September 2025confirmed on page 3.
- SRCLodging requires Form F48 for directionsconfirmed on page 2.
- SRCLodgment methods: email to [email protected], post, or in‑personconfirmed on page 2.
- SRCCommission staff cannot provide legal adviceconfirmed on page 3.
- SRCRepresentation options and that permission is not neededconfirmed on page 3.
- SRCAuthority to sign instructionsconfirmed on page 10.
- SRCSpecial assistance questionconfirmed on page 6.
- SRCPrivacy notice mentionconfirmed on page 4.
Common confusion points
Thinking Form F46 alone is enough – you also need Form F48 for service directions.
Leaving the authority to sign field blank or using the wrong label.
Assuming a representative must be approved by the Commission – no permission is needed unless directed.
Not answering the special assistance question, which could delay a hearing.
Submitting the form by post but not including a self‑addressed envelope for a receipt.
Confusing the purpose of Form F46 with other Fair Work Commission applications.
Source transparency
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