Official form guide
Form F55: Application for order about annual leave
This form is an Application for order about annual leave, issued by the Fair Work Commission. You use it when you need the Commission to make a formal decision or ruling regarding your entitlement to, or taking of, annual leave.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F55 - Application for order about annual leave
This form is an Application for order about annual leave, issued by the Fair Work Commission. You use it when you need the Commission to make a formal decision or ruling regarding your entitlement to, or taking of, annual leave.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not forget to clearly state what order you are seeking at the end of the application.
- 2Not attaching supporting evidence (payslips/contracts).
- 3Vaguely describing the leave issue instead of being specific.
- 4Failing to specify *who* should receive the order.
- 5Using outdated employment details on the form.
Plain English
If there's a disagreement with your employer about how much annual leave you get, or when you can take it, this form helps sort it out. It asks the Fair Work Commission to step in and make a binding decision for both parties.
Submission Date
- Filing date: You should submit this when negotiations with your employer have stalled or failed to resolve an annual leave dispute. There is no fixed deadline unless specified by the situation.
- 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 need the Commission to formally decide an issue with your annual leave.
- Your employer and you cannot agree on how much annual leave you are entitled to.
- You disagree about when you should take your accrued annual leave.
- You believe your entitlement to annual leave is incorrect under your employment contract or award.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Dispute over pay rate
If the issue isn't strictly about 'order' but broader payment rights.
✓ Check if the dispute relates purely to leave entitlements.
Application for determination (other)
Requesting a specific leave type order (e.g., long service)
Use F55 if you need an order specifically regarding your *annual* leave entitlement or taking of it.
✓ Confirm the form explicitly mentions 'Annual Leave'.
Application for order about annual leave (F55)
Lodging a general workplace complaint
If the issue is broader than just the leave calculation/timing (e.g., bullying related to leave).
✓ Ensure the core dispute is about the leave itself.
Asking for advice without formal ruling
Use this if you want guidance but don't need a binding decision yet.
✓ The F55 seeks an 'order', which is more decisive.
Deadline or filing window
While there isn't a universal deadline, aim to lodge this form as soon as the dispute becomes serious or unresolved in your employment agreement.
Before you submit
- 1Have you clearly stated *what* order you are applying for?
- 2Is your full name and contact information accurate?
- 3Does the form accurately identify the employer/PCBU involved?
- 4Have you attached evidence supporting your claim (e.g., payslips, contract)?
- 5Did you specify the relevant Award or Agreement?
- 6Is the date of the dispute clearly noted?
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form F55 thoroughly.
- 2Gather and attach all necessary supporting documents.
- 3Determine if submission is via the Fair Work Commission online portal or mail.
- 4If using the portal, log in (potentially via myGov).
- 5Submit the form and receive a confirmation reference number.
- 6Keep a copy of the fully executed application for your records.
Known limitations
- 1This form only applies to disputes concerning *annual* leave; other leave types require specific attention.
- 2Submitting F55 does not guarantee the Commission will grant the order you seek.
- 3The timeline for a decision is not confirmed in official source, but it varies by complexity.
- 4If your dispute involves complex entitlements across multiple awards, additional detail may be needed.
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 Application for order about annual leave (F55) from the Fair Work Commission. Check the latest version on the FWC website before starting.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the date of the current version listed on the form.
- Verify if there are new mandatory fields added since your last use.
- Confirm the required supporting documentation list hasn't changed.
- Look for any updated guidance notes regarding digital submission requirements.
- Ensure the reference number (F55) is correct.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCAgency: Fair Work Commission (FAIR_WORK)
- SRCForm Number: F55
- SRCForm Name: Application for order about annual leave
- SRCContext: Seeking a formal ruling from the FWC regarding entitlement or taking of annual leave.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific current version date.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Order' with 'Advice': An order is a binding decision; advice is just guidance.
Not knowing which Award applies: You must identify the correct Modern Award governing your employment.
Forgetting to name the employer correctly: If the name is slightly off, it can delay processing.
Assuming the Commission will side with you automatically: The FWC weighs evidence before ruling.
Mixing up Annual Leave entitlement versus Annual Leave *taken* issues.
Source transparency
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