Official form guide
Form F57: Application for order about community service leave
This form is used to request an official order from the Fair Work Commission regarding community service leave in Australia. It should be used when an employee needs formal approval for leave to participate in community service activities that may not be covered by standard leave arrangements.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F57 - Application for order about community service leave
This form is used to request an official order from the Fair Work Commission regarding community service leave in Australia. It should be used when an employee needs formal approval for leave to participate in community service activities that may not be covered by standard leave arrangements.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Not providing sufficient documentation about your community service activity.
- 2Incomplete or inaccurate information about the community service activity
- 3Missing supporting documentation proving community service involvement
- 4Not providing adequate notice to your employer
- 5Misunderstanding what activities qualify as community service
Plain English
This form helps you get official permission to take time off work for community service activities. It's a way to formalize your request if your employer isn't sure about approving your community service leave.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this form as soon as you know you need community service leave, ideally before your planned leave begins to allow processing time.
- 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 this form when you need formal approval for community service leave
- Use this form when your employer has denied your request for community service leave
- Use this form for unpaid community service activities not covered by other leave types
- Use this form when the community service is for a registered organization
- Use this form when standard leave procedures don't cover your situation
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Situation
Why it matters
✓ Check before you continue
Personal illness or injury
Different leave entitlements
✓ Confirm your employer's sick leave policy
Family/caregiving responsibilities
Different eligibility criteria
✓ Verify your relationship to the person requiring care
Jury service
Automatic protection under legislation
✓ Keep jury summons as proof
Volunteer emergency service
Specific provisions for certain roles
✓ Confirm your role is recognized as emergency service
Deadline or filing window
Submit the form at least 14 days before your planned community service leave if possible, or as soon as you become aware of the need for leave.
Before you submit
- 1All sections completed in full
- 2Employer details accurately provided
- 3Community service activity clearly described
- 4Dates of leave specified
- 5Supporting documentation attached
- 6Form signed and dated
- 7Copy retained for personal records
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the F57 form from Fair Work Commission website
- 2Complete all sections with accurate information
- 3Gather supporting documentation about your community service
- 4Submit the form through the preferred channel
- 5Keep a copy of your submission
- 6Follow up if you don't receive acknowledgment within expected timeframe
Known limitations
- 1This form only applies to community service leave, not other types of leave
- 2Approval is not guaranteed and depends on the specific circumstances
- 3Some employers may have additional requirements beyond this form
- 4The form may not cover all types of community service activities
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->This form is current as per the latest Fair Work Commission guidelines, but always check their website for any updates before use.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check if the form has been updated since your last use
- Verify current eligibility criteria for community service leave
- Confirm required documentation has not changed
- Ensure contact information for Fair Work Commission is current
- Check if processing times have changed
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number F57 confirmed as issued by Fair Work Commission
- SRCPurpose related to community service leave confirmed
- SRCSubmission methods not confirmed in official source
- SRCProcessing times not confirmed in official source
- SRCSpecific eligibility criteria not confirmed in official source
- SRCRequired documentation not confirmed in official source
Common confusion points
Confusion about what activities qualify as community service
Uncertainty about whether the leave will be paid or unpaid
Misunderstanding about notice requirements
Confusion about whether employer approval is needed before submitting
Uncertainty about documentation requirements
Confusion about appeal process if application is denied
Source transparency
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