Official form guide
Form Telephone screening form: Telephone screening form
This form is a preliminary screening tool used by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO). It helps determine if an initial conversation or inquiry requires further investigation into workplace rights and obligations.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Ombudsman Form Telephone screening form - Telephone screening form
This form is a preliminary screening tool used by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO). It helps determine if an initial conversation or inquiry requires further investigation into workplace rights and obligations.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not assume a phone call replaces the need for formal written submission.
- 2Mixing up personal details with employer records
- 3Omitting key dates of alleged pay issues
- 4Providing vague descriptions instead of specific examples
- 5Assuming the form solves all disputes without follow-up action
Plain English
If you have questions about your pay, hours, or workplace rules, this form guides you through basic details. It helps the FWO understand your situation before a full investigation begins.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Complete this form when you first realize you need assistance with a pay, leave, or work arrangement issue. There are no specific deadlines listed for initial screening.
- 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 need to determine if your workplace issue requires an investigation.
- * It guides preliminary discussions about rights or obligations under Australian law.
- * Do not use this form if you are filing a formal complaint online.
- * This helps structure the initial conversation with FWO staff.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Dispute over pay rates
A dedicated claim requires specific details and evidence.
✓ Check official FWO payment portal for required forms.
Workplace bullying investigation request
Specific complaints require detailed personal statements and supporting documents.
✓ Ensure you are using the correct online submission channel.
General workplace policy query
Simple questions do not need a formal screening form.
✓ Use direct contact methods for quick advice.
General Inquiry Contact Method (Phone/Web Chat)
Deadline or filing window
The form is meant for initial screening, so there are generally no immediate deadlines unless advised by an FWO representative.
Before you submit
- 1Ensure you have gathered all relevant dates and names.
- 2Confirm that the contact details provided are accurate for follow-up calls.
- 3Attach copies of supporting documents, if applicable (e.g., payslips).
- 4Read the purpose statement to confirm this is only a screening tool.
- 5Sign or acknowledge the form's declaration regarding accuracy.
How to file this form
- 11. Complete all sections using plain language and factual details.
- 22. Gather any necessary supporting documentation before filling out the form.
- 33. Review the completed form for clarity and completeness.
- 44. Submit the form via the specified Fair Work Ombudsman method (e.g., online portal or fax).
- 55. Keep a record of the submission date and any reference number provided.
Known limitations
- 1This form only determines if an investigation is needed; it does not resolve disputes itself.
- 2The information gathered is preliminary and not binding legal evidence.
- 3Do not rely on this screening process to replace formal documentation or legal advice.
- 4If the Ombudsman advises against action, you may still have recourse through other channels.
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->This is a preliminary screening tool used by the Fair Work Ombudsman to assess initial workplace inquiries. It helps determine if a conversation requires further investigation into employment rights.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm if your employment status has changed since the last submission.
- Verify all details about the alleged misconduct or pay issue are current.
- Check if any new workplace laws (e.g., minimum wage changes) apply to your situation.
- Review specific sections related to industry awards or enterprise agreements.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCAgency: Fair Work Ombudsman
- SRCForm Name: Telephone screening form
- SRCPurpose: Preliminary assessment of workplace rights and obligations
- SRCContext: Used before formal investigation into employment issues
Common confusion points
Mistaking this screening form for a formal complaint submission.
Assuming completing the form guarantees an investigation will start.
Providing opinions or emotional accounts instead of factual details.
Failing to update personal contact information, leading to missed follow-up calls.
Source transparency
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