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: 21 May 2026

Under the Employee Choice pathway (from 26 August 2024; 26 August 2025 for small business), a casual employed for at least 6 months — 12 months for a small business employer (under 15 staff) — who no longer meets the casual definition can notify their employer in writing of their choice to convert to permanent. The employer must respond within 21 days and can only refuse on specified grounds. This replaced the old rules where the employer had to offer conversion.

Casual to Permanent in 2026: New Conversion Rights & How to Request It

Understand the new casual-to-permanent conversion rights in Australia for 2026. Learn about employee-initiated conversion, eligibility requirements, how to make a written request, employer grounds for refusal, and the financial implications of converting including losing casual loading but gaining leave entitlements.

Casual Conversion 2026: Your Right to Become Permanent After 6-12 Months

Understand your right to convert from casual to permanent employment in Australia. Covers the employee-initiated conversion right, eligibility periods, the written request process, employer refusal grounds, and FWC dispute resolution.

Casual to Permanent Conversion: Your Right to Go Full-Time

Understand your casual conversion rights in Australia for 2026. Learn when your employer must offer permanent employment, how to request conversion, and what to do if your employer refuses.

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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.

Learn more

Casual to Permanent Conversion — Your Right to Request Full-Time After 12 Months

After 12 months as a casual, you have the legal right to request permanent employment under the Closing Loopholes Act. Step-by-step: how to make the request, employer response deadlines, grounds for refusal, and how to dispute.

"Casual" Workers Winning Permanent Entitlements: The Court Cases Changing Australian Law

Federal Court decisions have ruled that many so-called casual workers are actually permanent employees entitled to leave, redundancy, and back-entitlements. Learn about the landmark cases and your rights.

Casual to Permanent Conversion 2026: New Rules, How to Request, and Employer Obligations

Updated casual conversion rules for 2026: employers must now OFFER conversion after 12 months. See the new employee choice pathway, how to request permanent status, and what to do if refused.

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