How much sick leave do I get in Australia?

Full-time employees: 10 days of paid personal/carer's leave per year (NES s96). Part-time employees: also 10 days, pro-rata in hours — a day is 1/10 of ordinary hours over two weeks (Mondelez v AMWU [2020] HCA 29), so a 19-hour-per-week employee gets 38 hours/year against 76 for full-time. Casuals: do NOT accrue paid personal leave but get 2 days unpaid carer's leave per occasion under s102. Leave accrues progressively across the year and rolls over indefinitely if unused.

Can my boss ask for a doctor's certificate for one sick day?

Yes, but the request must be 'reasonable' under section 107 of the Fair Work Act. For a single, isolated sick day, a brief written explanation or statutory declaration is usually acceptable. Employers can reasonably require a certificate where there's a pattern (Monday/Friday absences), where the absence extends beyond 2 days, or where the workplace policy requires it from day one. Routine demands for single-day certificates without context can themselves be unreasonable.

Do I need a doctor's certificate for sick leave in Australia?

Section 107 of the Fair Work Act requires employees to give 'evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person' that the leave is for the qualifying reason. In practice: 2+ days = certificate is usually required. 1 day with no pattern = stat dec or written explanation usually fine. Employer's policy may set stricter rules — if your contract or workplace policy requires a cert from day 1, comply. Carer's leave for a family member usually only needs a stat dec, not a cert (you shouldn't disclose someone else's medical details).

Can I be sacked for taking too much sick leave?

Generally no — sick leave is a workplace right. Dismissing you because you took protected leave is adverse action under s340 of the Fair Work Act (general protections). However, if absences are persistent and you can't perform the inherent requirements of the role even with reasonable adjustments, dismissal may eventually be valid — but only after proper process including medical assessment. If you're being threatened with dismissal over sick leave, get advice immediately.

Do casual employees get sick leave in Australia?

Not paid sick leave — casuals are paid the 25% casual loading instead. They do get 2 days UNPAID carer's leave per occasion under s102 (e.g. when a family member is unwell or in emergency). Some EAs and individual contracts give casuals paid sick leave on top of loading, so check yours. The new Casual Conversion regime (s66AAC, since 26 Aug 2024) lets eligible casuals notify their employer they want to convert to permanent — at which point they accrue NES leave.

Sick Leave Balance + Doctor's Cert Decision

Two tools in one: how much paid personal/carer's leave you've accrued under the NES, plus a quick decision tree on whether your employer can reasonably ask for a doctor's certificate.

Last verified: 2 August 2026Jump to calculator ↓

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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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