Sick leave

Sick Leave in Australia

Full-time employees in Australia are entitled to 10 days of paid sick leave per year under the National Employment Standards. This entitlement covers absences due to personal illness, injury, or medical appointments, as well as caring for a family member or household member who is ill or injured. Part-time and casual employees also have access to proportional sick leave calculated based on their ordinary hours of work.

The right to sick leave is established under the Fair Work Act 2009 and is administered by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Employees must provide notice to their employer as soon as practicable when taking sick leave, typically before their shift begins, though employers may request medical certification if an employee is absent for three consecutive days or more. Unused sick leave accrues and carries over to subsequent years; it does not reset annually.

Employers must continue to pay employees their ordinary rate of pay during approved sick leave absences. The entitlement applies regardless of whether the employee has a medical certificate, though employers may require one in certain circumstances. Employees cannot be forced to take sick leave at times chosen by the employer, nor can they be required to use other leave types in place of sick leave.

Payroll teams must track sick leave usage separately from other leave categories and ensure that accrued balances are accurately recorded and paid out upon termination of employment. Employers should maintain clear policies communicating sick leave procedures and employees' rights to ensure compliance with Fair Work standards.