What is the deadline for fair work general protections dismissal?
A general-protections dismissal dispute application normally must be made within 21 days after the dismissal took effect. That 21-day route does not apply to a non-dismissal general-protections claim.
Calculate your deadline
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Worked example
- Example input
- 03/08/2026
- Expected result
- Monday 24 August 2026
The dismissal took effect on Monday 3 August 2026.
The calculator excludes the dismissal day and applies the 21-day general-protections dismissal period. It does not calculate an exceptional-circumstances extension.
How this deadline is counted
- Period
- 21 days
- Trigger
- The day dismissal took effect
- Direction
- Forward from the effective dismissal date
- Counting method
- The dismissal day is excluded; the current Australia calculator applies its encoded final-day adjustment.
Check the current FWC deadline guidance, the effective date and any exceptional-circumstances application.
Fair Work Commission general protections guidance. Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), section 366(1). Fair Work Act 2009 and FWC guidance checked 07/08/2026
Exceptions and case facts
- This page is only for a general-protections dispute involving dismissal.
- An extension is exceptional and is not calculated automatically.
Deadline Engine is calculation software, not legal advice. Check the current rule, any order and the facts before adding a date to your calendar.