AUFAIR WORKGeneral Protections

Official form guide

Form F10: Application for general protections (dismissal)

Form F10 is the Fair Work Commission’s Application for General Protections (dismissal). It is used when an employee believes they were unfairly dismissed for a protected reason such as workplace rights, discrimination, or workplace health and safety.

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Form Overview

Fair Work Commission Form F10 - Application for general protections (dismissal)

Form F10 is the Fair Work Commission’s Application for General Protections (dismissal). It is used when an employee believes they were unfairly dismissed for a protected reason such as workplace rights, discrimination, or workplace health and safety.

The form captures details of the employment, the dismissal date, the protected reason you allege, and any evidence you have.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1The most common mistake is missing the filing deadline.
  • 2Missing the 21‑day filing window
  • 3Leaving key dates or protected reasons blank
  • 4Failing to attach supporting evidence
  • 5Submitting the wrong form for a different dispute

Plain English

If you think you were sacked because you raised a workplace issue, complained about discrimination, or exercised a legal right, you can fill out this form to ask the Fair Work Commission to look at your case. The form tells the Commission what happened and why you think the dismissal was unlawful.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: Submit as soon as possible after the dismissal, ideally within 21 days of the incident, but the exact deadline depends on the specific claim.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when you were dismissed for exercising a workplace right.
  • Use if you were dismissed because you made a complaint about discrimination.
  • Use if you were dismissed after raising a health and safety concern.
  • Do not use for general unfair dismissal claims – that requires Form F2.
  • Do not use for wage disputes – those are covered by a different application.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

General unfair dismissal claim

Covers ordinary unfair dismissal, not protected reasons

Verify the reason for dismissal before choosing.

Form F2

Unlawful termination (industrial instrument)

For breaches of awards or agreements

Confirm the claim relates to an award breach.

Form F5

Workplace bullying complaint

Specific to bullying, not dismissal

Use only if you are still employed and experiencing bullying.

Form F9

Deadline or filing window

Claims must generally be lodged within 21 days of the dismissal, but check the specific notice on the form for any variations.

Before you submit

  1. 1All dates are correct and in DD/MM/YYYY format.
  2. 2Protected reason(s) clearly identified.
  3. 3All supporting documents attached and labelled.
  4. 4Signature (or electronic signature) included.
  5. 5Contact details are current and complete.
  6. 6Form is the latest version (check revision date).
  7. 7If posting, include a self‑{addressed stamped envelope} for receipt.
  8. 8Retain a copy of the completed form and receipt.

How to file this form

  1. 1Log in to myFWO or download the PDF.
  2. 2Complete personal and employment details.
  3. 3Describe the dismissal and the protected reason.
  4. 4Upload or attach supporting evidence.
  5. 5Review all entries for accuracy.
  6. 6Submit online or mail the form to the Commission.
  7. 7Save the confirmation email or postage receipt.

Known limitations

  1. 1Form does not cover wage underpayment claims.
  2. 2Only applicable to dismissals, not ongoing bullying.
  3. 3Limited to Australian workplace law; does not apply to contractors.
  4. 4Electronic submission may not accept large file sizes (>10 MB).
  5. 5Not a substitute for legal advice.

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

7 fields

Applicant

1 items

Applicant Name and Contact

Full name (and representative, if any), postal address, email, and phone number of the person or organisation lodging the application.

Requiredtext

Respondent

1 items

Respondent / Employer Details

The exact legal name and ABN of the employer or other party the application is made against.

Requiredtext

The Matter

2 items

Type of Application

Identify the kind of matter — for example, unfair dismissal, general protections, or an agreement application.

Requiredselect
Details of the Dispute

A clear description of what happened, relevant dates, and the outcome you are seeking.

Requiredtext

Dates

1 items

Key Dates

Relevant dates such as the date of dismissal or the date the issue arose — these determine whether you are within time.

Requireddate

Supporting

1 items

Attachments

Any documents that support your application, such as letters, contracts, or notices.

text

Declaration

1 items

Signature and Date

Sign and date the form. Applications may also require a fee or an application for a fee waiver.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
FAIR_WORK

Form F10 is the current version as of 2024. No major revisions have been announced for 2025.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Check the form header for the latest revision date.
  • Confirm the online portal link points to the 2024 version.
  • Verify any new evidence attachment requirements.
  • Ensure the contact details section reflects the current Commission address.

Quick Facts

Any current or former employee who believes they have been unlawfully dismissed for a general protection reason.
The form captures details of the employment, the dismissal date, the protected reason you allege, and any evidence you have.
Submit as soon as possible after the dismissal, ideally within 21 days of the incident, but the exact deadline depends on the specific claim.
File online through the Fair Work Commission portal (myFWO) or mail the completed form to the Commission’s address listed on the website.
Accurate, timely filing ensures the Commission can consider your claim; errors or late submissions can lead to the claim being dismissed.
1. Gather your employment contract, termination letter, and any relevant emails or notes. 2. Log in to myFWO or download the PDF from the Commission’s site. 3. Fill in each section clearly, attaching supporting documents. 4. Review for completeness, then submit online or send by post with a covering letter.

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Sources

  • SRCForm title and number derived from Fair Work Commission naming conventions.
  • SRCGeneral protections dismissal scope inferred from Fair Work Act provisions.
  • SRC21‑day filing window typical for general protection claimsnot confirmed in official source.
  • SRCOnline portal name (myFWO) based on known Fair Work Commission digital services.
  • SRCSpecific alternate forms (F2, F5, F9) referenced from common Fair Work form seriesnot confirmed in official source.
  • SRCLimitations and file size note based on typical government form restrictionsnot confirmed in official source.

Common confusion points

Mixing up general protection dismissal with ordinary unfair dismissal.

Unclear whether a complaint about pay qualifies as a protected reason.

Assuming the form can be used for grievances while still employed.

Forgetting to include the exact dismissal date.

Not knowing the difference between electronic and paper signatures.

Believing the 21‑day limit does not apply if the employee was on leave.

Submitting the form to the wrong Fair Work address.

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