Official form guide
Form F6: Application for protected action ballot order
This form is an Application for a protected action ballot order from the Fair Work Commission. You use it when you want the Commission to officially organise and run a ballot regarding 'protected action' within your workplace.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F6 - Application for protected action ballot order
This form is an Application for a protected action ballot order from the Fair Work Commission. You use it when you want the Commission to officially organise and run a ballot regarding 'protected action' within your workplace.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Don't forget to specify *why* the action is protected under Australian workplace law.
- 2Failing to clearly define the 'protected action'.
- 3Submitting the form without attaching required supporting evidence.
- 4Using outdated version of Form F6.
- 5Not identifying the correct workplace/entity details.
Plain English
Simply put, this form asks the Fair Work Commission to hold a vote about some protected action at your job. Protected action means an employee or group is taking steps that are legally covered while they do it. This formal application gets the ball rolling for the official ballot process.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this when you have decided that an official vote is necessary regarding workplace action, but before the actual ballot takes place.
- 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 want the FWC to officially organise a vote about 'protected action' at your workplace.
- Use this when you need an official ballot order, not just internal consultation.
- It is for specific situations where protected action needs formal endorsement by the Commission.
- This form initiates the process; it does not run the ballot itself.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Want to apply for a general dispute resolution order
This is broader than just protected action.
✓ Check if your issue fits this scope.
FWC Dispute Application Form (likely)
Already have an agreement but need it recognised
Use this form to trigger the ballot that confirms the action.
✓ Ensure you are applying for the *order*.
Just want to notify FWC of an existing protected action
This is just telling them what's happening, not asking them to run a vote.
✓ Confirm if you need notification or a formal ballot order.
Deadline or filing window
There isn't a fixed deadline, but you must submit this application well in advance of when you want the ballot order to take effect. Check local Fair Work Commission guidelines for specific timeframes.
Before you submit
- 1Ensure all mandatory fields marked with an asterisk (*) are completed.
- 2Attach evidence supporting why a protected action ballot is necessary.
- 3Verify your contact details (workplace address, applicant name) are correct.
- 4Confirm the exact scope of the 'protected action' being voted on is clearly defined.
- 5Review the form for any specific instructions related to unions or employer groups.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form F6 thoroughly.
- 2Gather and attach required supporting documents (e.g., workplace policy excerpts).
- 3Submit the completed application via the Fair Work Commission online portal (or as directed).
- 4Pay any required filing fee through the designated payment gateway.
- 5Keep a copy of the fully submitted form for your records.
Known limitations
- 1Submitting this form does not guarantee the FWC will grant the ballot order immediately. They must process it first.
- 2The form itself does not dictate *how* the ballot is run, only that an official order should be issued.
- 3If your workplace has a specific Enterprise Agreement, ensure you reference its details on Form F6.
- 4Not confirmed in official source: There may be different versions depending on whether you are an employee or employer applying.
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 to ask the Fair Work Commission to run a ballot for protected action. Check the FAIR_WORK website before starting to ensure it hasn't been updated recently.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check for updates to the required supporting documentation list.
- Verify the current fee amount (if applicable) listed on the form.
- Confirm the specific definitions of 'protected action' used in the latest version.
- Look for any changes regarding digital submission requirements.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssued by: Fair Work Commission (FAIR_WORK)
- SRCForm Number: F6
- SRCPurpose: Application for protected action ballot order
- SRCContext: Used to request official ballot organisation.
- SRCPlatform: Likely submitted via the FWC online portal or myGov integration.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific fee structure details.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Required supporting documentation list.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'protected action' with general workplace dispute: Protected action is a specific type of activity protected under the law.
Not knowing who needs to sign: Usually, the applicant or authorised representative must sign.
Thinking submission equals approval: Submitting the form starts the clock; it isn't the final decision.
Not including supporting evidence: The FWC will likely reject or delay processing without proof of need.
Source transparency
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