Official form guide
Form F51: Application for order about records
This form is an Application for order about records (F51), issued by the Fair Work Commission. You use it when you need the Commission to make a formal ruling or 'order' regarding employment or workplace records.
Need help with Form F51?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F51 - Application for order about records
This form is an Application for order about records (F51), issued by the Fair Work Commission. You use it when you need the Commission to make a formal ruling or 'order' regarding employment or workplace records.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Don't just state a problem; clearly specify the exact order you require from the Commission.
- 2Failing to attach supporting evidence (e.g., payslips, rosters).
- 3Vagueness in describing the record that needs ordering.
- 4Not clearly stating *what* the final order should be.
- 5Submitting it without identifying the relevant parties involved.
Plain English
Think of this as asking the Fair Work Commission referee to step in and officially decide something about your company's paperwork. Use this if there is a dispute over what should be recorded, like hours worked or pay rates.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this when a dispute arises over employment records that cannot be resolved informally. There is no fixed deadline unless specified by another ruling.
- 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
- You need the Commission to officially decide an issue about workplace documents (e.g., payslips, rosters).
- Someone else has disputed or lost important employment records you hold.
- You require an order to force another party to provide specific records they are withholding.
- The standard dispute resolution process isn't enough; you need a formal 'order' about the record itself.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Dispute over pay rate
If the issue is *what* the pay should be, use this first.
✓ Check if your dispute is about the *existence* of the record.
Form 1 (or relevant Dispute form)
Requesting a general investigation
Use this if you want the Commission to look into many records at once, not just rule on one specific item.
✓ Ensure your request isn't just asking for information.
Lodging an unfair dismissal claim
If the record issue stems from being fired unfairly, start here.
✓ The F51 can support or follow this initial claim.
Requesting a determination on award compliance
Use this if you need a ruling on whether your employment aligns with specific modern awards.
✓ This is a broader scope than just one record.
Deadline or filing window
There is no universal deadline listed on the form itself. Submit it as soon as the dispute over records begins.
Before you submit
- 1All required fields marked with an asterisk (*) have a response.
- 2The applicant's full name and contact details are accurate.
- 3The specific records in question are clearly identified (e.g., 'Roster for June 2023').
- 4The desired outcome or order you want the Commission to make is plainly stated.
- 5You have signed and dated the form where indicated.
- 6If submitting online, ensure all supporting evidence documents are attached.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form F51 thoroughly using clear language.
- 2Gather copies of all relevant employment records that relate to your application.
- 3Sign and date the completed form (if printing).
- 4Upload the signed PDF and supporting documents via the Fair Work Commission online portal, or mail them in.
- 5If submitting digitally, keep a record/screenshot of the submission confirmation page.
Known limitations
- 1This form only asks for an 'order' about records; it does not automatically resolve underlying employment disputes.
- 2The Commission may require more information after receiving F51 before making any ruling.
- 3Submitting this form does not guarantee a specific outcome or timeline for the order.
- 4If you are applying through myGov, ensure your account is linked correctly to the Fair Work Commission 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.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->This is the current version of Form F51 from the Fair Work Commission. It remains the standard way to ask the Commission for a specific ruling on employment records.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the current date listed at the top of the form matches today's date.
- Check if the Fair Work Commission logo/branding looks current.
- Verify that Form F51 is still listed as active on the official FAIR_WORK website.
- Look for any footnotes regarding digital submission requirements (e.g., must submit via myGov).
- Ensure there are no redlines or outdated section headings present.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm Name: Application for order about records
- SRCForm Number: F51
- SRCIssuing Agency: Fair Work Commission (FAIR_WORK)
- SRCContext: Used to seek a formal ruling on employment documentation.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Order' with 'Advice': An order is a formal ruling that *must* be followed; advice is guidance on what should happen.
Not listing enough detail: Simply saying 'My records are wrong' is too vague. Specify *which* record and *how* it is wrong.
Filing F51 when you should just lodge a general dispute: If the issue isn't about the record itself, but about the relationship/pay, use the standard dispute form first.
Forgetting to name the other party: You must clearly identify who holds the records and against whom the order is sought.
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.