Official form guide
Form F57: Application for order about community service leave
Form F57 is the Fair Work Commission’s application for an enterprise association of employees to be registered as an organisation under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009. Use it when an association wants official registration with the Commission.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F57 - Application for order about community service leave
Form F57 is the Fair Work Commission’s application for an enterprise association of employees to be registered as an organisation under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009. Use it when an association wants official registration with the Commission.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Most applications are rejected because required attachments (member list or rules) are missing.
- 2Missing signatures from the two authorised officers
- 3Failing to attach the declaration statement
- 4Submitting draft or incomplete rules instead of existing rules
- 5Leaving out the full member list with addresses
Plain English
If a group of employees has formed an association and wants it recognised by the Fair Work Commission, they fill out this form. It tells the Commission who the association is, who its members are, and what rules it follows.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the form when the association is ready to be registered; there is no statutory deadline mentioned in the form.
- 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
- When an employee‑led association wants official registration as an organisation under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009.
- If the association meets the membership threshold (at least 20 employee members).
- When you need to provide the association’s rules, member list and a resolution supporting registration.
- If you prefer the Commission to communicate by email or post about the application.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Changing the association’s rules after registration
Used for amendments to an existing registration
✓ Verify the correct amendment form before proceeding
Form F58 (not confirmed in official source)
Applying for deregistration of an association
Ends the organisation’s registration
✓ Confirm the need for deregistration and any outstanding obligations
Form F59 (not confirmed in official source)
Seeking legal representation at a hearing
Notifies the Commission of a lawyer or paid agent
✓ Lodge F53 before the hearing and obtain permission
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed filing deadline; submit as soon as the association meets the registration criteria to avoid unnecessary delays.
Before you submit
- 1Enter the association’s full name, trading name (if any), ABN/CAN and contact details (p.5).
- 2State the industry the association operates in (p.5).
- 3Attach the resolution approving registration (p.2).
- 4If applicable, attach the additional supporting statement (p.2).
- 5Provide a list of at least 20 employee members with addresses (p.9, 2.3).
- 6Attach a copy of the association’s rules (and branch rules if relevant) (p.9, 2.5).
- 7Check the box confirming the rules meet RO Act requirements.
- 8Select email or post for Commission communications and include a mobile number if you want SMS reminders (p.5).
- 9Sign and date the form where required.
- 10Keep a copy of the completed form and all attachments for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form F57 on a computer or printed copy.
- 2Gather and attach all required documents (resolution, member list, rules, optional statement).
- 3Choose your preferred communication method and ensure contact details are correct.
- 4Email the completed form and attachments to [email protected] or post/in‑person deliver to the Commission office in your state/territory.
- 5Retain the cover sheet and a copy of the submission for future reference.
Known limitations
- 1Representation by a lawyer or paid agent is optional; if used, a separate Form F53 must be lodged (p.3).
- 2The form does not cover applications for orders about community service leave (not confirmed in official source).
- 3Only associations that meet the 20‑member employee threshold can use this form; smaller groups must seek a different process.
- 4The Commission may publish a Gazette notice; objections must be lodged within 35 days (p.2).
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 F57 is approved as of 17 September 2025 and remains the current form for registering an enterprise association of employees with the Fair Work Commission.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Approved version date: 17 September 2025 (Form header).
- Must attach a copy of the resolution passed by a majority of members or an absolute majority of the committee (p.2).
- If the association has ≥20 members, attach a list with names and postal addresses (p.9, question 2.3).
- Confirm that the association’s rules meet the RO Act requirements and attach them (p.9, question 2.5).
- Select preferred communication method – email or post – and provide a mobile number if SMS reminders are wanted (p.5).
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm header shows approval date 17 September 2025 (p.4, p.5).
- SRCResolution requirement and submission methods listed on p.2.
- SRCMember list requirement for ≥20 members on p.9, question 2.3.
- SRCRule confirmation checkbox and attachment requirement on p.9, question 2.5.
- SRCRepresentation details and need for Form F53 on p.3‑p.4.
- SRCCommunication preference and mobile SMS note on p.5.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form F57 (registration) with forms for leave orders or other matters.
Forgetting to attach the resolution or attaching an outdated version.
Not providing a full member list when the association has 20 or more employee members.
Assuming legal representation is automatic; a separate Form F53 is required.
Overlooking the preferred communication choice, leading to missed email or SMS reminders.
Submitting the form without a signed declaration where required.
Misunderstanding that the form can be used for deregistration or rule changes.
Source transparency
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