Filing your claim online
You plan to file online and want to know what to prepare first.
What should you prepare before filing online?
Delays usually happen before submission, so preparation matters more than the method. Gather your termination letter, employment contract, identification and recent payslips in digital form.
You have 60 days from the dismissal date to lodge a written representation with the Director General of Industrial Relations, whichever way you submit it.1 Confirm your exact dismissal date before you fill in any form.
What should you expect when you submit?
Filing methods can change, so confirm the current process with the department or an employment lawyer close to the time you file. The content of your representation matters as much as the format, because it must still state your case clearly.
Once filed, conciliation comes first, then referral to the Industrial Court if that fails, with no minister deciding whether it proceeds.2
How do you file without losing proof?
Set aside enough time on a stable connection, not a shared device or a work break. Take a screenshot of each step, including any confirmation page or reference number.
If the system shows an error, try again promptly and keep evidence of the problem. Keep a copy or confirmation of your submission, and write a short note of exactly what happened.
How do you get it right the first time?
Write out the key facts, your dismissal date and your employer’s details before you begin. Read about the full filing process for the complete picture, and confirm your deadline with the deadline calculator.
If you would rather not file yourself, an employment lawyer can check your draft or lodge the claim for you and act on it if you have grounds.
If you would rather not file online yourself, an independent employment lawyer can lodge your Section 20 claim and take it forward if you have grounds.
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.
First contact: general facts only, such as date, location, employment status and a short summary. Keep documents private until an identified independent lawyer contacts you and specifically requests them.
Common questions
Do I need to file in person if online filing is available?
Options and requirements can change, so confirm current filing methods with the Industrial Relations Department or an employment lawyer close to the time you file, not from an old description.
What documents should I scan or photograph beforehand?
Your termination letter, employment contract, identification and payslips are the core documents to have ready in digital form. That saves time whichever filing method you use.
Is an online submission treated the same as a paper one?
The 60-day deadline and the required content stay the same whichever method you use. Only the way the document reaches the department changes.
What if I make a mistake in an online submission?
A mistake in a written representation can sometimes be corrected, but it is better to have your details and wording checked before you submit. Do not rush near the deadline.
Sources
- A worker has 60 days from the dismissal date to lodge a written representation with the Director General of Industrial Relations. Mah Weng Kwai & Associates
- Since the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2020, the Director General refers a case straight to the Industrial Court once conciliation fails, without ministerial screening. MECA
Keep reading
If you would rather not file online yourself, an independent employment lawyer can lodge your Section 20 claim and take it forward if you have grounds.
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.
First contact: general facts only, such as date, location, employment status and a short summary. Keep documents private until an identified independent lawyer contacts you and specifically requests them.