Can I convert from casual to permanent in Australia?

Yes. Under the Employee Choice Pathway introduced by the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act 2023, casual employees can notify their employer in writing that they wish to convert to permanent employment. You must have been employed for at least 6 months (large employer) or 12 months (small employer) and have worked a regular pattern of hours that could continue as a permanent employee.

What is the Employee Choice Pathway?

The Employee Choice Pathway is the process under the Fair Work Act (s66AAC) that allows casual employees to give written notification to their employer that they want to convert to permanent (full-time or part-time) employment. It replaced the previous employer-initiated conversion process from 26 August 2024. The employer can only refuse on reasonable business grounds and must respond in writing within 21 days.

Do I lose my casual loading when I convert?

Yes. When you convert from casual to permanent employment, you will no longer receive the 25% casual loading. However, you gain access to paid annual leave (4 weeks), personal/carer's leave (10 days per year), redundancy pay entitlements, notice of termination, and other NES protections. The total value of these entitlements often exceeds the casual loading.

Can my employer refuse casual conversion?

Your employer can only refuse your conversion request on reasonable business grounds. These may include that the employee's position will cease, hours will significantly reduce, or changes to working days/times would not be able to accommodate permanent employment. The employer must provide written reasons for refusal within 21 days and the employee can dispute the refusal through the Fair Work Commission.

Casual to Permanent Conversion Checker

Check if you're eligible to convert from casual to permanent employment under the Employee Choice Pathway, and compare what you'd gain and lose.

Last verified: 1 July 2025

After 12 months of regular and systematic work, casual employees have the right to request conversion to permanent employment. Employers with 15+ staff must offer conversion. Smaller employers must respond to a written request within 21 days.

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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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