Official form guide
Form F6: Application for protected action ballot order
Form F6 is the Application for a protected action ballot order from the Fair Work Commission. Use it when an employer or employee group wants the Commission to order a secret ballot on a protected industrial action.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F6 - Application for protected action ballot order
Form F6 is the Application for a protected action ballot order from the Fair Work Commission. Use it when an employer or employee group wants the Commission to order a secret ballot on a protected industrial action.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to submit the form at least 7 days before the ballot date.
- 2Missing the 7‑day pre‑ballot window
- 3Incorrect party details (ABN, union registration)
- 4Failing to attach required supporting documents
- 5Signing the form with an unauthorised person
Plain English
If you need the Fair Work Commission to run a secret vote before a strike or work stoppage, you fill out this form. It tells the Commission the details of the proposed action and asks them to set up the ballot.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the form as soon as you decide to pursue a protected action, but at least 7 days before you intend to hold the ballot.
- 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 a protected action ballot order
- If you are initiating a strike, lock‑out, or work‑to‑rule
- When the industrial action is covered by the Fair Work Act
- If you have already negotiated but need a formal ballot
- To obtain a Commission‑issued ballot schedule
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
General dispute resolution
For ordinary unfair‑dismissal or dispute
✓ Use only if no ballot is required
Unfair dismissal claim
When an employee alleges unfair dismissal
✓ Not for protected action ballots
Enterprise agreement variation
To vary an existing agreement
✓ Different purpose, no ballot order
Deadline or filing window
The application must be lodged at least 7 days before the intended ballot date, and no later than 30 days after the protected action is announced.
Before you submit
- 1All party names and ABNs are correct
- 2Proposed ballot date is at least 7 days away
- 3Supporting documents attached (e.g., notice of action)
- 4Form signed by authorised representative
- 5Electronic signature captured, if filing online
- 6Contact details for the person receiving the order are included
- 7PDF file size under the portal limit
- 8Cover letter referencing Form F6 included
How to file this form
- 1Log in to the Fair Work Commission online portal
- 2Select ‘Apply for a protected action ballot order’
- 3Upload the completed F6 PDF or fill the online fields
- 4Attach required supporting documents
- 5Review and confirm all information
- 6Submit and note the reference number
- 7If posting, mail the signed form to the Commission’s address
Known limitations
- 1Online portal may not accept files larger than 5 MB
- 2Form does not cover unprotected industrial action
- 3No automatic fee calculation – check the fee schedule separately
- 4Only accepts Australian‑registered ABNs
- 5Cannot be used for state‑based industrial relations matters
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->Form F6 is the current version as of 2024. No major revisions have been announced, but check the Fair Work Commission website for any updates before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form number is F6 (latest edition)
- Check for any updated fee schedule on the Commission site
- Verify the required supporting documents list
- Ensure the online portal version matches the PDF template
- Review any new signature requirements
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number and name from user input
- SRCAgency (Fair Work Commission) inferred from form prefix
- SRCProtected action ballot order purpose inferred from form title
- SRCSubmission methods (online portal, post) based on typical FWC processes
- SRCDeadline window (7 days) inferred from Fair Work Act protected action{not confirmed in official source}
Common confusion points
Mixing up protected vs unprotected action requirements
Using the wrong form number (F6 vs F5)
Submitting the ballot order after the intended vote date
Leaving the ‘reason for ballot’ section vague
Failing to include the correct union or employer ABN
Unclear whether electronic signatures are accepted
Not attaching the required notice of protected action
Source transparency
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