File online FAQs

The Industrial Relations Commission of NSW is improving access to services by providing online filing as an option. 

Which forms can be lodged online?

The following forms are available online:

• Unfair Dismissal Application form

• Employer’s Response to Unfair Dismissal Application form

• Notification of an Industrial Dispute form

• Application for Public Sector Disciplinary Appeal form

• Employer's Response to Public Sector Disciplinary Appeal form

• Notice of Appearance form

• Notice of Discontinuance form

• Notice of Intention to File Notice of Ceasing to Act form

• Notice of Ceasing to Act form; and

• Notice of Change of Solicitor or Appointment of Solicitor form*

  *Please note that reference on this form to advising a plaintiff or cross-claimant that court fees including hearing allocation fees may be payable is not applicable when using these forms in the Industrial Relations Commission.

How can the new online forms be accessed?

The online forms are available on the NSW Courts and Tribunals Online Registry website. The Online Registry is an approved electronic case management system. For more information, see: File Online

Who can file online?

Any party that is currently able to file the above listed forms over the counter can now file these forms online provided they have registered an account with the Online Registry. 

This includes:   

• Self-represented applicants and appellants

• Legal representatives of applicants and appellants

• Legal representatives of industrial organisations 

• Authorised officers of industrial organisations

• Delegates of authorised officers or legal representatives

Who can’t file online?

Any party wanting to submit a fee waiver application form with an unfair dismissal application must file their Unfair Dismissal Application form and the Fee waiver Application form in person at the Commission or at a Local Court or by Post. For more information, see: Unfair Dismissals

Can forms still be filed over the counter?

Yes. MS Word and PDF versions of the forms will still be available from the Commission’s website for the time being and can be filed in person at the Commission or by Post. Initiating process documents which have time limitations for filing such as Unfair Dismissal application forms and Application for Public Sector Disciplinary Appeal forms can be filed in person at the Commission or at a Local Court in NSW.  For more information, visit: www.irc.nsw.gov.au 

Is there a registration process?

Yes. To file online, new users will need to register an account with the NSW Courts and Tribunals Online Registry.

Additionally, all organisations who are party to a proceeding and wish to use online filing must register their electronic organisation (eOrganisation) through the Online Registry (ORW) website. The purpose of this is to allow nominated users representing an organisation to file forms on behalf of that organisation.

See: Register an account with the Online Registry

Can supporting documents be attached to the new online forms?

Yes. Up to four supporting documents which are to be for the conciliation can be attached to either online form up to a total of 5MB each. 

Are there any changes to the way matters at the Commission are listed?

No. There are no changes to the current listing processes for the Commission.

What notification(s) will an applicant receive when they file online?

When users file an application form online, they will receive two auto-generated emails. These are:

• An acknowledgement that the application has been received. This includes the assigned case file number.

• A notification acknowledging the application has been processed by the Commission’s Registry. It also includes an attached copy of the sealed and filed stamped form (together with any documents submitted with the application). If the application attracted a fee, a copy of the Online Registry invoice is also attached to this email.

What notification(s) will a respondent receive when they file an Employer’s Response to Unfair Dismissal application form online?

The respondent will receive an auto-generated acknowledgement that the application has been received. This acknowledgement includes the sealed and filed stamped form and supporting documents.

Can filing parties view their cases via the Online Registry?

Yes.  The Online Registry is now available for Commission users to manage their cases including viewing filed documents, listings, and order transcripts.