What is casual conversion?
Casual conversion is the right for casual workers to request permanent employment after 12 months of regular work.
Casual conversion is the right of a casual employee to become permanent (either full-time or part-time) after working regularly for 12 months. Since 2021, employers with 15 or more staff must offer conversion to eligible casuals.
If your employer doesn't offer it, you can still request it. They can only refuse on reasonable business grounds, and they must explain those grounds in writing.
Key facts
- •Employers with 15+ staff must offer conversion after 12 months of regular and systematic employment
- •Employee can also request conversion (known as 'employee choice' pathway since 26 August 2024)
- •Employer can only refuse on reasonable business grounds
- •Becoming permanent means getting paid leave, notice, and redundancy entitlements
Try the calculator
Casual Loading CalculatorFrequently asked questions
Will I lose casual loading if I convert?
Yes. You'll lose the 25% casual loading but gain paid annual leave, sick leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay. For most people working regular hours, permanent employment is worth more.
Can my employer refuse casual conversion?
Only on reasonable business grounds — like if the role is about to end, hours are about to drop significantly, or it would require a major change to the employee's hours.
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.