Exact meal and rest break entitlements for a 12-hour shift under Australian Modern Awards.
Last verified: 21 May 2026On a 12-hour shift in Australia, you're entitled to two 30-minute unpaid meal breaks (one after 5 hours, one after 10 hours) plus 3 x 10-15 minute paid rest breaks. You must also have a 10-hour break before your next shift. 12-hour shifts are common in nursing, hospitality and manufacturing.
Meal Break (unpaid)
Two meal breaks — 30 min after 5 hrs + 30 min after 10 hrs (unpaid)
Rest Breaks (paid)
3 x 10-15 min (paid)
Break rules vary by Modern Award. Here's what a 12-hour shift looks like under the most common awards in Australia.
| Award | Meal Break | Rest Breaks |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitality (HIGA) | 2 x 30 min unpaid | 3 x 10 min paid |
| Nurses Award 2020 | 2 x 30 min unpaid | 3 x 10 min paid |
| General Retail (GRIA) | 30-60 min unpaid + 2nd meal | 2-3 x 10 min paid |
| Manufacturing | 2 x 30 min unpaid | 3 x 10-15 min paid |
| Aged Care | 2 x 30 min unpaid | 3 x 10 min paid |
| Fast Food | 30-60 min unpaid + 2nd meal | 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 12-hour shift under most Modern Awards, you get two x 30 min unpaid meal break(s) and 3 x 10-15 min (paid). 12-hour shift: two 30-min meal breaks + 3 x 10-15 min rest breaks. 10-hour break between shifts required.
Meal breaks are unpaid — the clock stops. Rest breaks are paid — the clock keeps running. On a 12-hour shift, expect two x 30 min unpaid unpaid and 3 x 10-15 min (paid) paid.
Five breaks total under most awards: two 30-minute unpaid meal breaks plus three 10-15 minute paid rest breaks. That's standard for nursing, hospitality and manufacturing.
Yes. 12-hour shifts are legal and common in nursing, hospitality, mining and manufacturing. You're entitled to extra meal breaks, overtime pay, and a 10-hour break between shifts.
Minimum 10 hours under most awards. If your employer rosters you with less than 10 hours between shifts, they must pay you double-time until you get a proper break.
Yes. Under the Nurses Award 2020, nurses on a 12-hour shift get two 30-minute unpaid meal breaks plus three paid rest breaks.
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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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