Official form guide
Form F6: Application for protected action ballot order
This form is used to apply to the Fair Work Commission for payment of costs (like legal fees) related to employment disputes such as general protections dismissal or unfair termination. Use it within 14 days after the Commission finishes handling your underlying matter.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F6 - Application for protected action ballot order
This form is used to apply to the Fair Work Commission for payment of costs (like legal fees) related to employment disputes such as general protections dismissal or unfair termination. Use it within 14 days after the Commission finishes handling your underlying matter.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Don’t miss the 14-day deadline after the Fair Work Commission decides your underlying dispute—this is the most common mistake that can stop you from getting costs paid back.
- 2Missing the 14-day filing deadline
- 3Providing incorrect respondent details (e.g., wrong name, ABN)
- 4Forgetting to include representative info when required
- 5Not serving the other party promptly after lodging
Plain English
If you're involved in a workplace dispute and the Fair Work Commission has resolved that case, this form lets you ask for money back (costs) from the other side. It's how you formally request payment of expenses related to that dispute.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit within 14 days after the Fair Work Commission determines or finishes dealing with your related employment dispute (e.g., a dismissal case).
- 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 want to apply to the Fair Work Commission for payment of costs (like legal fees) related to an employment dispute, such as unfair dismissal or general protections claims.
- You must use it within 14 days after the Fair Work Commission finishes handling your underlying matter.
- This form is specifically for applying for cost orders—do not use it if you need a different type of order (e.g., a protected action ballot).
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
You're a party to an employment dispute (e.g., unfair dismissal or general protections claim) and want to recover costs from the other side.
To get back money spent on legal/fees if you won or if the other side acted improperly.
✓ Make sure 14 days have passed since the Commission finished your underlying matter.
You're a lawyer representing someone in an employment dispute and need to lodge costs for them.
To recover fees as a paid agent, especially if you acted reasonably.
✓ Ensure you have permission from the Commission (if required) and that your client gave notice.
You're dealing with costs for a matter that was discontinued or settled early.
Even if the dispute ended quickly, you might still be able to claim costs if the other side acted improperly.
✓ Confirm the date of discontinuation and that you lodged within 14 days.
You're unsure about whether you qualify for costs (e.g., no automatic entitlement).
To understand your eligibility—costs are discretionary, so you need to apply.
✓ Review the Fair Work Act sections mentioned in the form and gather evidence of why costs should be awarded.
Deadline or filing window
You must lodge this form within 14 days after the Fair Work Commission determines or finishes dealing with your related employment matter (like a dismissal case).
Before you submit
- 1Fill out all required fields in 'Applicant for costs' section (title, name, address, contact info).
- 2If you have a representative, check their details are accurate and up-to-date.
- 3Ensure the authority to sign field matches who is signing (e.g., Applicant, Representative) based on your role.
- 4Confirm you’ve served a copy of this application to the respondent as soon as practicable after lodging.
- 5Retain a copy for your own records.
How to file this form
- 1Gather all necessary information about yourself and any representative (lawyer/paid agent).
- 2Complete sections 1–5 of Form F6, ensuring you answer 'Yes' or 'No' to having a representative.
- 3Fill out the authority to sign section correctly based on who is signing (Applicant/Representative/Employee position).
- 4Submit via email to [email protected] or in person/post at your state/territory Fair Work Commission office.
Known limitations
- 1The Fair Work Commission staff cannot provide legal advice—use this form for cost applications only, not for legal counsel.
- 2This form does not guarantee approval of costs; outcomes depend on the Commission’s decision.
- 3You must serve documents to the respondent within 14 days after lodging (per p2).
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 form is approved by the Fair Work Commission and will be effective from 17 September 2025.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Form updated to be effective from 17 September 2025—check if any new rules or changes apply since then.
- Review representation requirements (lawyer/paid agent exceptions) as outlined in section 596 of the Fair Work Act 2009 and related rules.
- Confirm that filing methods (email, post/in person) remain valid for your submission.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCFiling methods (email, post/in person) confirmed in official source.
- SRCRepresentation rules for lawyers/paid agents are detailed on p2–p3.
- SRCForm name and number match the provided source text.
- SRCValidity date (17 September 2025) is explicitly stated on p2 & p5.
Common confusion points
Forgetting to serve the respondent a copy of this form as soon as possible after lodging (p2).
Confusing Form F6 for other orders like protected action ballots—ensure you use the correct form.
Incorrectly filling out the authority to sign section based on your role (e.g., confusing Applicant vs. Representative).
Not providing representative details if you have one, or vice versa (p5).
Source transparency
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