Sick leave

Paid Sick and Carer's Leave in Australia

Paid sick and carer's leave in Australia provides employees with 10 days per year for full-time workers, calculated on a pro-rata basis for part-time employees. This entitlement covers absences due to personal illness, injury, or medical appointments, as well as caring responsibilities for family members or household members who are ill or injured. The leave may also be used for certain medical or dental procedures, bereavement, or to attend court or legal proceedings related to domestic violence.

The Fair Work Act 1994 and the National Employment Standards establish the minimum entitlements for paid sick and carer's leave across Australia. These standards apply to all employees covered by the Fair Work Act, including those employed under modern awards and enterprise agreements.

The current entitlement of 10 days annually for full-time employees has remained the statutory minimum, though some enterprise agreements and modern awards may provide more generous provisions. Part-time employees receive a proportional entitlement based on their ordinary hours of work relative to full-time hours.

Employers must maintain accurate records of sick and carer's leave taken and accrued. Employees are generally required to notify their employer as soon as practicable when taking leave, though employers cannot unreasonably refuse a request. Unused leave accrues and carries forward to subsequent years unless an enterprise agreement specifies otherwise. Payroll teams must ensure correct calculation of pro-rata entitlements for part-time staff and track leave balances meticulously to maintain compliance with Fair Work obligations.