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Official form guide

Form F51: Application for order about records

Form F51 – Application for order about records is a Fair Work Commission document used to request a court‑type order that an employer produce, preserve or delete workplace records. It is used when an employee, union or the Commission needs access to those records for a dispute or investigation.

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Form Overview

Fair Work Commission Form F51 - Application for order about records

Form F51 – Application for order about records is a Fair Work Commission document used to request a court‑type order that an employer produce, preserve or delete workplace records. It is used when an employee, union or the Commission needs access to those records for a dispute or investigation.

The form captures details of the parties, the specific records sought, the reason for the request and any relevant dates or legal references.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1The most common mistake is not specifying the exact records needed, which leads to a rejected application.
  • 2Leaving required fields blank
  • 3Describing records too vaguely
  • 4Failing to attach supporting evidence
  • 5Submitting after the employer may have destroyed records

Plain English

If you need your boss to hand over payslips, time‑cards or other work files, you fill out this form. It tells the Commission what records you want and why you need them. The request is then turned into an official order that the employer must follow.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: Submit the form as soon as you become aware you need the records, ideally before any court‑type hearing or before the employer may destroy the information.
  • 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

employeedocumentdisputeorderfiles

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • When you need an order to compel an employer to produce specific workplace records.
  • If you suspect the employer will delete or alter records before a hearing.
  • When a union is seeking records on behalf of members.
  • If the Commission has directed you to apply for a records order.
  • For requests related to pay, hours, leave or discrimination investigations.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

General information request

Used for informal requests without court order

✓ Confirm you do not need a formal order first

F50 – Request for information

Dispute about unfair dismissal

Different process, focuses on termination

✓ Use F7 if the issue is termination, not records

F7 – Application for unfair dismissal

Enterprise agreement breach

Covers broader agreement breaches

✓ Check if you need a breach order rather than records

F21 – Application for order under the agreement

Deadline or filing window

There is no fixed statutory deadline, but the request should be made before the employer could destroy the records and ideally before any hearing date is set.

Before you submit

  1. 1All party names and contact details entered correctly.
  2. 2Exact description of each record requested.
  3. 3Reason for request clearly explained.
  4. 4Relevant dates (employment period, incident date) included.
  5. 5Supporting documents attached.
  6. 6Form signed and dated.
  7. 7Uploaded in PDF format (if online).
  8. 8Confirmation email or receipt saved.

How to file this form

  1. 1Log in to the Fair Work Commission portal.
  2. 2Download or open the online F51 template.
  3. 3Complete the form fields as per guidance.
  4. 4Attach supporting evidence.
  5. 5Review for completeness and correct signatures.
  6. 6Submit electronically or print, sign, and post.
  7. 7Save the confirmation receipt.

Known limitations

  1. 1Form does not cover requests for personal tax records – use ATO channels.
  2. 2Only applies to records held by the employer, not third‑party contractors.
  3. 3Cannot be used to request confidential medical information without additional consent.
  4. 4If the employer is insolvent, the order may be ineffective.

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 F51 is current as of the 2024 Fair Work Commission form revision. No major changes announced for 2025.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Check the form header for the 2024 revision date.
  • Confirm the online template matches the PDF version.
  • Verify any new mandatory fields added in the latest version.
  • Ensure the submission address matches the current Commission website.

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Quick Facts

Anyone involved in a Fair Work dispute – an employee, a union representative or a former employee – can lodge the form.
The form captures details of the parties, the specific records sought, the reason for the request and any relevant dates or legal references.
Submit the form as soon as you become aware you need the records, ideally before any court‑type hearing or before the employer may destroy the information.
File online via the Fair Work Commission portal (myFairWork) or mail the completed form to the Commission’s address listed on the website.
A correctly completed form speeds up the order and reduces the chance the Commission will reject it, which could delay your case and increase costs.
1. Log in to the Fair Work Commission portal with your myGov or myFairWork credentials. 2. Download the F51 PDF or use the online template. 3. Fill in all required fields – party details, record description, and why you need them. 4. Attach any supporting documents, such as a court reference or union agreement. 5. Submit electronically or print, sign, and post to the Commission.

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Sources

  • SRCForm number and name from Fair Work Commission listing.
  • SRCGeneral purpose inferred from form title.
  • SRCOnline portal reference based on typical Fair Work Commission processes.
  • SRCSubmission methods derived from standard government form handling.
  • SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact deadline requirements.
  • SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific supporting document list.

Common confusion points

Mixing up F51 with F50 (informal information request).

Leaving the ‘reason for request’ section too brief.

Not attaching a copy of the relevant dispute or hearing notice.

Submitting the form to the wrong address or portal.

Failing to include the employer’s full legal name.

Assuming the order will be granted automatically.

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