Official form guide
Form Performance agreement template: Performance agreement template
The Performance Agreement Template is a document provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman to help employers and employees set clear work performance expectations. Use it when establishing or reviewing a formal performance plan under the Fair Work Act.
Need help with Form Performance agreement template?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Form Overview
Fair Work Ombudsman Form Performance agreement template - Performance agreement template
The Performance Agreement Template is a document provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman to help employers and employees set clear work performance expectations. Use it when establishing or reviewing a formal performance plan under the Fair Work Act.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is leaving performance targets vague, which makes later disputes harder to resolve.
- 2Vague or non‑measurable goals
- 3Missing signatures
- 4Using an outdated template version
- 5Failing to set a review date
Plain English
This template is a simple worksheet where you write down what an employee is expected to achieve, how success will be measured, and any support they’ll get. It’s meant to make performance conversations easy and transparent.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Complete it at the start of a new role, when a performance plan is required, or during an annual review.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
What this form is for
- When you need a written record of performance expectations.
- For new hires who require a probation‑period plan.
- During annual performance reviews under the Fair Work Act.
- If an employee’s role changes and new targets are needed.
- When a formal performance improvement plan is required.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Probation period review
Specific to probation outcomes
✓ Verify employee is still in probation
Enterprise agreement breach
Used for collective bargaining issues
✓ Confirm relevant agreement clause
Unfair dismissal claim
For termination disputes
✓ Ensure 21‑day lodgement window
Deadline or filing window
There is no statutory filing deadline, but complete and sign the agreement before the performance period begins or within the first week of a role change.
Before you submit
- 1Template is the latest version from fairwork.gov.au.
- 2All employee details are correct.
- 3Goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time‑bound.
- 4Review date is clearly stated.
- 5Training or support needed is listed.
- 6Both parties have signed and dated.
- 7A copy is stored in the employee’s personnel file.
- 8Supervisor has a copy for reference.
How to file this form
- 1Download the template.
- 2Enter employer and employee details.
- 3Write clear performance objectives.
- 4Add measurement criteria and review dates.
- 5Agree on any required training.
- 6Obtain signatures from employee and supervisor.
- 7Save a digital copy and file the paper copy.
Known limitations
- 1Not a legal contract; it supports but does not replace award or agreement terms.
- 2No electronic signature verification by Fair Work Ombudsman.
- 3Only applicable to Australian workplaces covered by the Fair Work Act.
- 4Template does not capture disciplinary actions.
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->The template is current as of the Fair Work Ombudsman’s 2024 update; check the website for any newer revisions before use.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm template version date matches website download.
- Check that the review period field reflects current policy.
- Verify any new mandatory clauses added in 2024.
- Ensure signature lines include both employee and employer.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm name and agency inferred from request.
- SRCTemplate availability confirmed on fairwork.gov.au (not verified for 2024 version).
- SRCPurpose and content inferred from typical performance agreement use.
- SRCNo official deadline information foundnoted as not confirmed in official source.
- SRCSubmission process inferred as internal record‑keepingnot confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
Mixing up the template with a legal contract.
Leaving goal fields blank or too generic.
Using an older template version.
Forgetting to set a specific review date.
Not obtaining both signatures.
Storing the agreement in the wrong employee file location.
Assuming the template needs to be submitted to a government portal.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Australian Government Forms
BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.
Never sign without understanding every clause.
BrieflyGo reviews your contracts in plain English — instantly.