What is a deed of release and what does signing one mean?

A deed of release is a binding legal contract, usually offered when employment ends, where you agree to give up the right to bring certain claims in exchange for a payment. A full and final release can give up claims you do not yet know about. Because it is binding once signed, you should have a lawyer review the actual deed before signing. This tool gives general information about clause types and questions to ask — it does not tell you whether to sign.

Can a deed of release make me give up my super or workers compensation?

Some rights generally cannot be signed away, even in a broad release. Compulsory superannuation owed to you, and in many cases existing or future workers compensation entitlements, usually cannot be validly released by a deed. Check that any super owed has been paid and is not bundled into the settlement figure, and ask a lawyer whether the deed tries to release rights that cannot lawfully be released.

What about restraint, confidentiality, and my Fair Work claims?

A restraint or non-compete clause limits who you can work for after you leave, and its enforceability depends on how reasonable it is. A confidentiality or non-disparagement clause limits what you can say. A broad release may also give up unfair-dismissal or general-protections claims under the Fair Work Act 2009 — these have a strict 21-day time limit from the date a dismissal takes effect. Ask a lawyer how each clause affects you before signing.

Deed of Release Review

Handed a deed of release and a settlement offer at exit? Get a plain-English breakdown of what each clause typically means and a checklist of questions to raise with a lawyer before signing. General information, not legal advice — see a lawyer before you sign.

Last verified: 21 May 2026

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A deed of release is a binding legal contract. This tool gives you a plain-English breakdown of the clause types you might see and a checklist of questions to raise with a lawyer. It does not tell you whether to sign, and it is not legal advice. Get a lawyer to review the actual deed before you sign anything.

The offer

Settlement amount offered (optional)Weeks of pay it represents (optional)

What does the deed contain?

Tick what you can see in the document. If you're not sure, leave it unticked and ask a lawyer.

It releases ALL claims (a full and final general release)It has a restraint of trade / non-compete clauseIt has a confidentiality and/or non-disparagement clause

Do you think you have a claim?

I think I may have been underpaidI think I may have an unfair-dismissal or general-protections claim

Preview the clauses we'll flag

Scope of the release
Non-excludable rights (super, workers compensation)
Tax treatment of the payment (ex-gratia vs genuine redundancy)

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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.

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