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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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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