Question 1

How many sick days do you get in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Full-time employees in Australia are entitled to 10 days of paid personal/carer's leave (sick leave) per year under the National Employment Standards. Part-time employees receive a pro-rata entitlement based on their ordinary hours. For example, an employee working 20 hours per week (half of the standard 38 hours) would receive 5 days per year. Casual employees are not entitled to paid sick leave.

Question 2

Does sick leave accumulate in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the NES, personal/carer's leave (sick leave) accumulates year to year and does not expire. Any unused days carry over indefinitely. For example, a full-time employee who has worked for 3 years and used 5 days would have a balance of 25 days (30 accrued minus 5 used). There is no cap on accumulation.

Question 3

Do casual employees get sick leave in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Casual employees are not entitled to paid sick leave under the NES. However, they are entitled to 2 days of unpaid carer's leave per occasion (to care for a sick family member), 2 days of unpaid compassionate leave per occasion, and community service leave. The 25% casual loading is intended to compensate for the lack of paid leave entitlements.

Question 4

Can my employer ask for a medical certificate for 1 day off sick?

Accepted Answer

Your employer can request evidence of your illness such as a medical certificate or statutory declaration. While many awards and agreements only require evidence for absences of more than 1 day, some allow employers to request evidence for a single day — particularly if it falls adjacent to a weekend, public holiday, or forms a pattern. Check your award or enterprise agreement for specific requirements.

Question 5

What is the difference between sick leave and personal/carer's leave?

Accepted Answer

In Australia, 'sick leave' is part of the broader 'personal/carer's leave' entitlement under the NES. The 10 days per year can be used for two purposes: (1) when you are personally unfit for work due to illness or injury (sick leave), or (2) to care for an immediate family member or household member who is sick, injured, or facing an unexpected emergency (carer's leave). Both draw from the same leave balance.

Sick Leave Calculator

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