Official form guide
Form F9: Response to unfair dismissal application
Form F9 is an application to the Fair Work Commission to deal with an unlawful termination dispute under Part 6‑4 of the Fair Work Act 2009. Use it when you believe your employment was terminated unlawfully.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F9 - Response to unfair dismissal application
Form F9 is an application to the Fair Work Commission to deal with an unlawful termination dispute under Part 6‑4 of the Fair Work Act 2009. Use it when you believe your employment was terminated unlawfully.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Missing the 21‑day filing deadline is the most common mistake.
- 2Missing the 21‑day deadline
- 3Leaving out the employer’s ACN or ABN
- 4Failing to pay the application fee or include a waiver request
- 5Not providing complete contact details
Plain English
If you think you were unfairly sacked, this form lets you ask the Commission to look at your case. It collects your details, your employer’s details and any representative you may have.
Submission Date
- Filing date: You must lodge the form within 21 days of the termination date. Fee‑waiver requests must be made at the same time.
- 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 were terminated and claim the reason is unlawful under the Fair Work Act.
- You are the applicant filing the dispute with the Commission.
- You need to list the employer's stated reason and the unlawful reason you rely on.
- You are not filing a jurisdictional objection or a fee‑waiver request.
- You may use this form even if you have a lawyer or paid agent.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need to waive the application fee
Fee waiver not covered on F9
✓ Confirm hardship before lodging
Fee waiver form (download from website)
Representing yourself but later want a lawyer at hearing
Permission to appear must be notified
✓ Submit before conference or hearing
Dispute is not about unlawful termination (e.g., general unfair dismissal)
Different legal test
✓ Verify the correct form
Relevant unfair dismissal form (e.g., F8)
Deadline or filing window
File the application within 21 days of your termination. Apply for a fee waiver at the same time if needed.
Before you submit
- 1Identify yourself as the applicant and provide contact details.
- 2Write the employer’s reason for termination in numbered paragraphs (section 3.1).
- 3Select the unlawful reason(s) from the Fair Work Act (section 3.2).
- 4Attach any termination letter or separation certificate.
- 5Include representative details if you have a lawyer or paid agent.
- 6Pay the application fee or attach a completed fee‑waiver form.
- 7Choose a lodgment method: OLS, email, post or in‑person.
- 8Sign the form and keep a copy for your records.
- 9Record the date you lodge the form.
How to file this form
- 1Gather supporting documents (termination letter, certificates).
- 2Complete all sections of Form F9, including employer’s reason and unlawful reason.
- 3Attach the required documents and any representation details.
- 4Pay the fee or attach the waiver request.
- 5Lodge the form via the Online Lodgment Service, email [email protected], post, or in‑person.
- 6Save the acknowledgment receipt or email confirmation.
Known limitations
- 1Only for unlawful termination disputes under Part 6‑4 of the Fair Work Act.
- 2Does not cover jurisdictional objections; a different form is needed.
- 3Fee waiver must be submitted at the same time as the application.
- 4Lawyer or paid agent participation in hearings may need prior notice.
- 5The Commission will share all attached documents with the employer.
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 F9 is approved for use from 8 July 2025 and remains the current form for unlawful termination disputes.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form version is the one approved on 8 July 2025.
- Confirm the current application fee on the Commission’s website.
- Verify if you need to attach a termination letter or separation certificate.
- Review the representation rules (lawyer or paid agent) for any updates.
- Ensure you have space to list both employer’s reason and unlawful reason.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm approved with effect from 8 July 2025confirmed in source.
- SRCLodgment methods: OLS, email, post, in‑personconfirmed in source.
- SRCApplication fee and waiver processconfirmed in source.
- SRCRepresentative definition and permission rulesconfirmed in source.
- SRCSection 3.1 employer’s reason and attachment requirementconfirmed in source.
- SRCSection 3.2 unlawful reason selectionconfirmed in source.
- SRCUse of Form F53 for later representation noticeconfirmed in source.
- SRCDetails on jurisdictional objection definitionconfirmed in source.
Common confusion points
Mixing up unfair dismissal with unlawful termination.
Assuming a lawyer can appear without permission in a hearing.
Forgetting to attach the termination letter or separation certificate.
Submitting the form without paying the fee or a waiver.
Using the form for a jurisdictional objection instead of the proper form.
Not notifying the Commission of a representative after lodging.
Source transparency
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