Sick and Carer’s Leave in Australia: Medical Certificate Guide

Feeling unwell or needing to care for a loved one can be stressful. Knowing your rights around sick and carer’s leave helps you manage time off without added worry. In Australia, personal/carer’s leave provides employees with paid time off when they are unwell or need to support a family member or household member during illness or an unexpected emergency.

This guide explains how sick and carer’s leave works, when medical evidence may be required, and the growing role of online medical certificates in simplifying the process.

What is Personal/Carer’s Leave?

Personal/carer’s leave is an important workplace entitlement under the Fair Work Act 2009. Full-time employees typically receive 10 days of paid leave per year, while part-time employees receive a proportional amount. Unused leave rolls over each year, ensuring protection when extended rest is needed.

This leave can be taken for:

• Sick leave – when you are unwell or injured

• Carer’s leave – when caring for an immediate family or household member who is sick, injured, or facing an emergency

When Do You Need a Medical Certificate?

Employers or universities can request evidence to confirm leave was necessary. A medical certificate is the most common form of evidence, and it should satisfy a “reasonable person” that the leave is genuine.

Key points:

• Even a single day of absence may require proof

• Certificates must come from registered healthcare practitioners

• Check your workplace award, contract, or university policy for specific requirements

Who can provide certificates?

• General Practitioners

• Registered Pharmacists

• Registered Nurses

• Other AHPRA-registered health practitioners

For students, universities often require certificates for missed exams, assessments, or extensions. Online medical certificates are increasingly accepted, but it’s important to confirm your institution’s rules before submission.

Sick Leave vs Carer’s Leave

While both come from the same entitlement, their purposes differ:

Always specify the type of leave when requesting a certificate so that documentation aligns with your situation.

The Rise of Online Medical Certificates

Traditionally, obtaining a certificate meant visiting a clinic, which could be inconvenient and costly when already unwell. Online medical certificate services now provide a safe, convenient alternative.

How Online Certificates Work

1. Complete a short online assessment describing your symptoms or caregiving reason

2. Submit payment (usually a low, fixed fee)

3. A registered healthcare practitioner reviews your request

4. The certificate is emailed to you, often within minutes

This process allows employees and students to obtain valid documentation without leaving home, saving time and reducing stress.

Note: Online certificates are typically valid for same-day or short absences. Longer leave may require a full consultation with a GP. Certificates cannot be backdated and are issued according to Australian health regulations.

Tips for Managing Sick and Carer’s Leave

• Plan ahead: Understand your entitlements and workplace policies

• Check certificate requirements: Know which type of certificate is acceptable

• Keep documentation: Save emails or PDFs of certificates for record-keeping

• Use online services cautiously: Choose reputable providers with proper registration

By staying informed, you can take leave when needed without unnecessary stress, whether for yourself or a loved one.