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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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.
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