What is the deadline for fair work employer response?
A respondent normally has seven days after service of an unfair-dismissal or general-protections application to lodge a response. The exact served date, case type and any Commission direction control.
Read the rule checklist
This page explains the cited rule. It does not generate an automated date. Check the trigger, service facts, time-counting treatment and any order before you use the period in your calendar.
- Start point
- Service of the application on the respondent
- Stated period
- Seven days
Worked source check
- Example input
- 03/08/2026
- Expected result
- No automated date. Check the Commission document, service event and any direction before acting on the seven-day period.
A Fair Work application was served, but the exact service event and the applicable response pathway are not confirmed.
A general seven-day label does not establish a complete Fair Work case timetable. The guide keeps the Commission direction, service facts and any extension visible before a response date is used.
What this source guide covers
- Period
- Seven days
- Trigger
- Service of the application on the respondent
- Direction
- Forward from service
- Counting method
- The day of service is excluded; final-day treatment must be checked against the relevant FWC location and direction.
The existing country-level calendar cannot safely substitute for the relevant Commission office or a case-specific direction.
Fair Work Commission Rules 2024. Fair Work Commission Rules 2024, rules 65 and 66. Fair Work Commission Rules 2024 checked 07/08/2026
Exceptions and case facts
- Rules 65 and 66 cover different application types. Check which form and rule applies.
- The Commission can dispense with compliance or make an inconsistent order or direction.
Deadline Engine is calculation software, not legal advice. Check the current rule, any order and the facts before adding a date to your calendar.