Official form guide
Form F51: Application for order about records
Form F51 is the Fair Work Commission’s application to get an order that a person must attend before the Commission. Use it when you are already involved in a matter before the Commission and need someone to appear.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F51 - Application for order about records
Form F51 is the Fair Work Commission’s application to get an order that a person must attend before the Commission. Use it when you are already involved in a matter before the Commission and need someone to appear.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Most people forget to attach a separate draft order for each person they want to attend.
- 2Forgetting to include a separate draft order for each person
- 3Submitting the draft order in a non‑Word format
- 4Not providing the required authority to sign
- 5Failing to serve the signed order promptly after it is made
Plain English
If you’re part of a Fair Work case and think a person should be called to give evidence, you fill out this form and attach a draft order for each person you want to attend. It’s a straightforward request – you just tell the Commission who you need to appear and why.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the form when you need the Commission to make an attendance order; the form does not specify a fixed deadline. Not confirmed in official source.
- 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 already a party to a matter before the Fair Work Commission.
- You need the Commission to order a person to attend before the Commission.
- You have a draft order ready for each person you want to attend.
- You are not seeking a different type of order, such as production of documents.
- You may be represented, but representation rules still apply.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need order for a person to produce documents
Different purpose – document production rather than attendance
✓ Verify the order type before using F51
Form F52 (not confirmed in official source)
Need to give notice of a lawyer or paid agent
Required to inform the Commission of representation
✓ Check if you have a lawyer or paid agent
Starting a new Fair Work Commission matter
First‑instance application, not an attendance order
✓ Ensure the matter is already before the Commission
Form F31 (not confirmed in official source)
Deadline or filing window
There is no specific filing deadline listed; submit the application as soon as you need the attendance order. Not confirmed in official source.
Before you submit
- 1All sections of Form F51 are completed.
- 2A draft order is attached for each person you seek to attend.
- 3Draft orders are saved as Word files (if filing electronically).
- 4Signature field is signed or typed as required.
- 5Authority to sign is correctly labelled (Applicant, Representative or position).
- 6You are a party to the existing matter.
- 7Email address [email protected] is used or post/in‑person address is correct.
- 8A copy of the completed form is retained for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form F51 on paper or electronically.
- 2Prepare a draft order for each person using the attached template.
- 3If filing electronically, save each draft order as a Word document.
- 4Email the completed form, draft order(s) and any supporting docs to [email protected], or post/in‑person to the state/territory office.
- 5Check that the email or envelope includes your signature and authority to sign.
- 6Keep a printed or electronic copy for your own records.
Known limitations
- 1Form only applies to attendance orders, not other orders.
- 2You must already be a party to a matter before the Commission.
- 3Electronic draft orders must be in Word format.
- 4Service of the order is required only after the Commission makes the order.
- 5Commission staff cannot give legal advice.
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 F51 is approved with effect from 4 October 2024 and is the current version.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the draft order is a Word file when lodging electronically.
- Use the attached draft order template for each person.
- Enter the correct authority to sign (Applicant, Representative or position title).
- Include any supporting documents with the application.
- Check the form is dated after 4 Oct 2024.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm name and number: Application for an order requiring a person to attend before the Fair Work Commissionconfirmed on page 7.
- SRCLodging options: email [email protected], post or in‑personconfirmed on page 1 and 2.
- SRCDraft order must be in Word if lodged electronicallyconfirmed on page 1.
- SRCAuthority to sign options (Applicant, Representative, position title)confirmed on page 7.
- SRCService methods listed (email, express post, registered post, in person)confirmed on page 2.
- SRCRepresentation notice via Form F53confirmed on page 3.
- SRCApproved with effect from 4 Oct 2024confirmed on pages 2 and 3.
- SRCKeep a copy for your recordsconfirmed on page 7.
Common confusion points
Thinking the form is for requesting document production.
Forgetting to attach a draft order for each person.
Submitting a PDF draft order instead of a Word file when filing electronically.
Leaving the authority to sign field blank or using the wrong label.
Assuming Commission staff will provide legal advice.
Not serving the order on other parties when the application is not published.
Believing a lawyer must always file Form F53 for representation.
Source transparency
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