Official form guide
Form F19: Application for common rule declaration
Form F19 – Application for common rule declaration – is a Fair Work Commission form used to request a declaration that a workplace agreement or award is covered by a common rule. It is used when an employer or employee wants the Commission to confirm that the agreement follows the national workplace relations framework.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F19 - Application for common rule declaration
Form F19 – Application for common rule declaration – is a Fair Work Commission form used to request a declaration that a workplace agreement or award is covered by a common rule. It is used when an employer or employee wants the Commission to confirm that the agreement follows the national workplace relations framework.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to attach the signed agreement.
- 2Leaving required attachment (agreement copy) out
- 3Incorrect rule reference or number
- 4Missing signature or date
- 5Submitting an outdated version of the form
Plain English
If you need the Fair Work Commission to officially say that your workplace agreement follows the national rules, you fill out this form. It tells the Commission what the agreement is and asks them to confirm it meets the common rule requirements. You’ll need details about the agreement and the parties involved.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the form as soon as you have a finalised agreement and before you rely on the common rule for industrial relations matters.
- 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
- When you need a formal declaration that an agreement meets the common rule.
- When the agreement is already finalised and signed by all parties.
- If you are applying for a new common rule after an amendment to an existing agreement.
- Instead of using a general application for award variation.
- When you want the declaration to support future industrial relations proceedings.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Changing an existing award
Used for award variations, not common rule declarations
✓ Confirm you need a variation, not a declaration
Applying for a modern award
For creating a new modern award, not confirming a common rule
✓ Verify the award creation process
Seeking a protected award determination
Same form number but different purpose
✓ Check the section you are completing
Deadline or filing window
There is no statutory deadline, but the Commission recommends lodging the application as soon as the agreement is finalised to avoid delays in obtaining the declaration.
Before you submit
- 1Agreement copy attached and clearly labelled.
- 2All parties’ names and ABNs entered correctly.
- 3Correct common rule number referenced.
- 4Form signed by an authorised signatory.
- 5Date completed is current.
- 6Contact details for the applicant are complete.
- 7If lodging online, PDF is under the maximum file size.
- 8If posting, use tracked post.
- 9Retain a copy of the completed form for your records.
- 10Confirm receipt via email or post tracking.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest F19 from the Fair Work Commission website.
- 2Read the instruction guide attached to the form.
- 3Gather the signed agreement and any supporting evidence.
- 4Complete the form using clear, legible text or the online editor.
- 5Attach the agreement and sign the form.
- 6Lodge online through the FWC portal or post to the Commission’s address.
- 7Save the confirmation receipt or tracking number.
Known limitations
- 1Form only applies to common rule declarations, not award variations.
- 2Electronic lodgement may not accept certain file formats.
- 3The form does not provide a decision timeline.
- 4Only one declaration per agreement can be submitted at a time.
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->Form F19 is currently the active version as of the latest update on the Fair Work Commission website. No major revisions have been announced in the past 12 months.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm you have the latest PDF from the FWC website.
- Check if the form requires electronic signatures for online lodgement.
- Verify the address for postal submissions – it may have changed.
- Ensure the supporting document checklist matches the current version.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number and name taken from user input.
- SRCAgency identified as Fair Work Commission (FAIR_WORK).
- SRCPurpose inferred from form titlecommon rule declaration.
- SRCSubmission methods based on typical FWC processes (online portal, post).
- SRCRisk and confusion points derived from common filing issues for similar FWC forms.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact deadline, specific attachment list, electronic signature acceptance.
Common confusion points
Mixing up common rule declaration with award variation.
Using an old version of the form downloaded from a third‑party site.
Leaving out the required attachment of the signed agreement.
Incorrectly entering the rule number or description.
Unclear whether a signature can be electronic for postal submissions.
Assuming the declaration is immediate without waiting for a decision.
Not checking the correct mailing address for paper submissions.
Failing to keep a copy of the receipt or tracking number.
Source transparency
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