Official form guide
Form F59: Application for order about parental leave
Form F59 is the Fair Work Commission application to change an association’s name or alter its rules. Use it when you need the Commission’s permission to make those changes.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F59 - Application for order about parental leave
Form F59 is the Fair Work Commission application to change an association’s name or alter its rules. Use it when you need the Commission’s permission to make those changes.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common error is forgetting the authorised signatory’s authority statement.
- 2Form not signed by an authorised person
- 3Missing authority to sign explanation
- 4Failure to indicate communication preference or interpreter needs
- 5Sending to the wrong email address or postal address
Plain English
If your union or registered organisation wants to rename itself or tweak its constitution, you fill out this form. It tells the Commission who you are, what change you want, and gets official approval.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the form whenever you decide to change the name or rules – either while a registration application is still pending or after the association is already registered.
- 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 you need the Commission’s permission to change your association’s name.
- When you want to alter the rules of an already‑registered association.
- When you are an authorised representative of the association and can sign on its behalf.
- Not for initial registration of a new association – use the registration form instead.
- Not for lodging an objection to another association’s registration – see Form F58.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Initial registration of an association
Used to become a registered organisation for the first time
✓ Verify you are not already registered before using Form F59
Objection to a registration application
Allows a third party to oppose a registration
✓ Confirm you have an industrial interest before lodging
Notice of legal representation
Required if a lawyer or paid agent will appear for you
✓ Ensure you have permission from the Commission Member
Request to change name or rules while registration is pending
May require a separate leave application
✓ Check with the Commission before proceeding
Deadline or filing window
There is no statutory deadline – submit as soon as the change is decided to avoid unnecessary delays.
Before you submit
- 1Enter the association’s full name and Commission matter number (p.4).
- 2Indicate whether you are proposing a name change, a rule alteration, or both (p.9).
- 3If proposing rule changes, attach the full text of the altered rule(s) (p.6).
- 4Select your preferred method of communication – email or post (p.4).
- 5State any interpreter or special‑assistance needs (p.4).
- 6Sign the form (or type your name if filing electronically) and include your authority to sign (p.9).
- 7Date the form.
- 8Retain a copy for your records (p.9).
- 9Send the completed form to [email protected] or deliver it by post/in‑person (p.1).
- 10Check that any accompanying documents are legible and correctly labelled.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required fields on Form F59.
- 2Attach any supporting documents, such as the proposed rule text.
- 3Sign (or type) your name, date and authority to sign.
- 4Choose email or post as your method of delivery.
- 5Email the PDF to [email protected] or mail/hand‑deliver it to the Commission office in your state/territory.
- 6Keep a dated copy of the submitted form for your records.
- 7Wait for acknowledgement from the Commission.
Known limitations
- 1Form F59 only covers name changes or rule alterations for an already‑registered association.
- 2The applicant does not need to prove registrability, but must be an authorised signatory (RO Reg 13).
- 3Submission does not guarantee approval – the Commission will still assess the request.
- 4The form cannot be used to lodge an objection to another association’s registration.
- 5Electronic signatures are accepted only if you type your name in the signature field.
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 F59 was approved on 17 September 2025 and remains the current form for requesting a name change or rule alteration for a registered association.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form bears the approval date of 17 Sep 2025 (Fair Work Commission Approved Forms).
- Check that the signature field includes name, date and authority to sign (RO Regulations reg 13).
- If altering rules, verify you have attached the proposed rule text as required (p.6).
- Ensure you have selected a communication preference (email or post) (p.4).
- Complete the interpreter and special‑assistance questions if applicable (p.4).
- Confirm the submission address – email to [email protected] or post/in‑person (p.1).
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm purposename change or rule alteration (p.9).
- SRCSignature authority requirementRO Regulations reg 13 (p.9).
- SRCAttachment of proposed rule text if altering rules (p.6).
- SRCCommunication preference optionsemail or post (p.4).
- SRCInterpreter and special‑assistance fields (p.4).
- SRCLodgement methodsemail to [email protected], post or in‑person (p.1).
- SRCApproval date of the form17 Sep 2025 (p.3).
- SRCReference to Form F58 for objections (p.1).
- SRCReference to Form F53 for legal representation notice (p.2).
- SRCNot confirmed in official sourceexact process for pending registration leave.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form F59 with the initial registration form (Form F58).
Forgetting to attach the proposed rule text when altering rules.
Not stating the authority you have to sign on behalf of the association.
Using the wrong submission address or method.
Leaving the interpreter/special‑assistance questions blank when needed.
Assuming an electronic signature is valid without typing your name.
Not retaining a copy of the submitted form.
Source transparency
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