Step by step guide - Making an unfair dismissal application

You will need one form:

• Form F2 - Unfair Dismissal Application

If you cannot afford the application fee, it is possible to apply to waive (cancel) the fee. In this case you will need a second form:

• Form F80 – Waiver of application fee

You can get copies of forms from:

• the Fair Work Commission ​office in your capital city
• the Fair Work​ Commission website or
• the Fair Work Commission Help Line on 1300 799 675.

You can complete the form on a computer (by downloading a Word file and typing in the spaces provided) or you can print it out and complete it neatly in blue or black pen. The form should be printed on A4 sized paper.

You will need to include:

• the name and contact details of your employer
• the dates you were employed
• the reasons your employer gave for why you were dismissed (if you were given reasons)
• why you think the dismissal was unfair
• whether you need an interpreter.

If you need more space for your answer you can attach extra pages.

The form also includes space to give your credit card details if you want to pay the application fee by credit card.

You will need to print and sign the form.

Instructions: Instructions - Form F2 - Unfair dismissal application

Sample: Sample- Form F2 - Unfair dismissal application

  Make sure you keep a copy of the form for your records.

You can lodge the form:​

• online - using the Online Lodgment Service (OLS) on the Fair Work Commission website.
• by email, fax or post - You can send your completed form by email, fax or post to your nearest Fair Work Commission office.
• by phone – The phone number can be found on the Fair Work Commission website If you are very close to the 21 day time limit you can make an application over the telephone. For more information on lodging urgent applications, see What you can do if it has been nearly 21 days since you were dismissed below, or
• in person at the Fair Work Commissio​n office in your capital city.

The application fee is $83.30 (as at 1 July 2023).  To see the current fees, go to Fees and Costs on the Fair Work Commission’s website. 

You can pay the filing fee by:

• credit card (Visa and Mastercard)
• EFTPOS (only for payments made in person at the Commission)
• Cheque or money order 
• cash (only for payments made in person at the Commission)

All cheques and Money Orders should be made payable to 'The Collector of Public Monies, FWC'.

If you are applying by facsimile you must usually pay by credit card. If you do not have a credit card you should contact the Commission to find out if they will still accept a faxed application and allow you to pay in some other way.

If you are lodging the form by email or post, you do not fill in credit card details on the form. A Commission officer will contact you about payment, within 3 business days from the date of lodgment.

If you are posting the form, make sure you give yourself plenty of time as you must meet the time limit. The Commission must receive your application within 21 days of the date you were dismissed.

Waiver of fee 

If you can’t pay the fee, you can apply for the Commission to waive (cancel) the fee. You will need to complete a Form F80 – Waiver of application fee, and file it with your application.

You will have to give details of your finances on the waiver form. If the Commission approves your waiver application, you will not need to pay the application fee.

After you file your application the Commission will arrange a conciliation. The Commission will send a notice of listing to you and your employer telling you the date and time of the conciliation. You should start preparing for the conciliation.

The Commission will also ask your employer to fill out a form responding to your application. Your employer should send a copy of this form to you.

For more information, see Conciliation, in Unfair dismissal.