Exact meal and rest break entitlements for a 10-hour shift under Australian Modern Awards.
Last verified: 21 May 2026On a 10-hour shift, you get a 30-60 minute unpaid meal break plus 2-3 x 10-minute paid rest breaks. Under the Hospitality Award and some others, you're also entitled to a second 30-minute meal break once you've worked more than 10 hours.
Meal Break (unpaid)
30-60 minutes unpaid, possibly a second meal break after 10 hrs
Rest Breaks (paid)
2-3 x 10 min (paid)
Break rules vary by Modern Award. Here's what a 10-hour shift looks like under the most common awards in Australia.
| Award | Meal Break | Rest Breaks |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitality (HIGA) | 30 min unpaid + 2nd 30 min after 10 hrs | 2-3 x 10 min paid |
| General Retail (GRIA) | 30-60 min unpaid after 5 hrs | 2 x 10 min paid |
| Fast Food | 30 min unpaid after 5 hrs | 2 x 10 min paid |
| Clerks—Private Sector | 30-60 min unpaid after 5 hrs | No paid rest break required |
| Manufacturing | 30 min unpaid after 5 hrs | 2-3 x 10 min paid |
| Nurses Award 2020 | 30 min unpaid after 5 hrs | 2-3 x 10 min paid |
If your employer isn't giving you the breaks you're entitled to under your award, that's a breach. Here's what to do.
Want to check your specific award and shift? Our Break Compliance Checker matches your shift length against the rules for your exact award.
Open Break Compliance Checker →On a 10-hour shift under most Modern Awards, you get 30-60 min unpaid (+ possible 2nd) meal break(s) and 2-3 x 10 min (paid). 10-hour shift: 30-60 min meal break + 2-3 x 10-min rest breaks. Second meal break after 10 hrs under HIGA.
Meal breaks are unpaid — the clock stops. Rest breaks are paid — the clock keeps running. On a 10-hour shift, expect 30-60 min unpaid (+ possible 2nd) unpaid and 2-3 x 10 min (paid) paid.
Under the Hospitality Award (HIGA), yes — a second 30-minute unpaid meal break is required once you've worked more than 10 hours. Other awards vary.
Yes, 10-hour shifts are legal. But you need a 10-hour break between shifts and you'll usually be paid overtime for the hours beyond 8 or 38/week.
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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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