Official form guide
Form F47: Notice of contravention
Form F47 – Application to vary an award‑based transitional instrument. Use it when you want the Fair Work Commission to change an award or a continuing Schedule 6 instrument.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F47 - Notice of contravention
Form F47 – Application to vary an award‑based transitional instrument. Use it when you want the Fair Work Commission to change an award or a continuing Schedule 6 instrument.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Most applicants forget to serve the respondent after lodging the form.
- 2Failing to serve the respondent promptly
- 3Leaving the signature or authority line blank
- 4Not indicating that you have a representative
- 5Omitting a request for required special assistance
Plain English
This form lets you ask the Commission to vary an existing award or transitional instrument. You fill it in, sign it and then send it to the Commission and the other party.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Lodge the form as soon as practicable and then serve a copy on the respondent(s) promptly after lodging.
- 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 change an existing award or a continuing Schedule 6 instrument.
- Use if you have clear grounds for the variation and can list the specific changes you are seeking.
- Use even if you do not have a lawyer or other representative – representation is optional.
- Do not use for new award creation, general Fair Work disputes, or to change your representative after lodging.
- Use if you need to request special assistance (e.g., hearing loop) for any conference or hearing.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need to notify or seek permission for a lawyer/paid agent after lodging
Handles representation changes or hearing participation
✓ Confirm F47 already lodged before using F53
Applying for a new award or making an award decision
Different purpose – not a variation
✓ Verify you are seeking a variation, not a new award
Not applicable (different award creation form)
General Fair Work dispute not about an award variation
Different procedural rules
✓ Check the matter type before continuing
Other Fair Work Commission form (e.g., F32)
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed court‑style deadline, but you must serve the respondent as soon as practicable after lodging.
Before you submit
- 1Enter the correct industry and name of the award or Schedule 6 instrument.
- 2Describe the exact variation you are seeking.
- 3List the grounds in numbered paragraphs.
- 4Answer the special assistance question.
- 5Indicate whether you have a representative and provide their details.
- 6Sign, date and type your name if filing electronically.
- 7Attach any additional pages for variation details or grounds.
- 8Retain a copy of the completed form for your records.
- 9Choose a lodging method (email, post or in‑person) and confirm the address.
- 10Prepare to serve a copy of all lodged documents on the respondent.
How to file this form
- 1Complete every required field on Form F47.
- 2Add extra pages for the variation description and grounds if needed.
- 3Sign and date the form (type your name if filing electronically).
- 4Email the form to [email protected], or post/in person to the Commission office in your state/territory.
- 5Keep a copy of the lodged form and any attachments.
- 6Serve a copy of all lodged documents on the respondent(s) by email, express post or registered post.
- 7Confirm the service was completed and retain proof.
Known limitations
- 1Only for award‑based transitional instruments (awards or continuing Schedule 6 instruments).
- 2Cannot be used to appoint or change a lawyer/paid agent after lodging – use Form F53 for that.
- 3Must serve respondents after lodging; failure to do so may delay the application.
- 4Electronic signature is limited to typing your name – no digital signature upload.
- 5Must comply with Part 5 of Chapter 1 and Schedule 1 of the Fair Work Commission Rules 2024 for service.
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 F47 is an approved Fair Work Commission form effective from 17 September 2025 and remains the current form for applying to vary an award‑based transitional instrument.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form shows the approval date of 17 Sept 2025.
- Confirm you can type your name in the signature field if filing electronically.
- Verify the special assistance question is completed if needed.
- Ensure you have a section for representative details if you have one.
- Attach extra pages for detailed variation description and numbered grounds.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCLodging methods (email, post, in‑person)confirmed
- SRCService requirement to respondents after lodgingconfirmed
- SRCRepresentative definition and optional natureconfirmed
- SRCNeed to use Form F53 for post‑lodgement representation changesconfirmed
- SRCForm approval date 17 Sept 2025confirmed
- SRCElectronic signature (type name) allowedconfirmed
- SRCFields: industry, instrument name, variation, groundsconfirmed
- SRCSpecial assistance questionconfirmed
Common confusion points
Leaving the representative section blank when you actually have a lawyer or paid agent.
Forgetting to serve the respondent after lodging the form.
Using Form F47 for a new award rather than a variation.
Not attaching extra pages for detailed variation or grounds, leading to an incomplete application.
Signing with a handwritten signature on an electronic submission without typing your name.
Overlooking the special assistance question and missing needed accommodations.
Sending the form to the wrong email address or postal address.
Failing to retain a copy of the completed form for your records.
Source transparency
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