How to Get a Carers Certificate in Australia

Your child wakes up with a fever. Your parents have a fall and need urgent care. Your partner is too unwell to be left alone. You need to take time off work, and your employer has asked for proof.

This is where a carer’s certificate comes in. It supports your request for carer’s leave by showing that you needed time off to care for someone who was sick or injured.

This guide explains how to get a carer’s certificate in Australia, what evidence your employer can request, and how the process works.

Not sure what evidence your employer needs? See an Online Telehealth Doctor Now.

Quick Answer: How to get a carers certificate

• Confirm you are taking time off to care for a sick family or household member.
• Check what your employer accepts as evidence (certificate or statutory declaration)
• Book a GP consult if a medical certificate is needed
• Get the certificate and send it to your employer within a reasonable timeframe
• Keep details private; only provide what is required

If you need a carer’s certificate today, a GP can assess your situation and guide you on the next steps.

What is a carers certificate?

A carer’s certificate is a document that supports your carer’s leave. It shows your employer that you needed time off to care for someone unwell or injured.

It is not the same as a medical certificate. A medical certificate says you are unfit for work. A carer’s certificate says you need to care for someone else.

Some workplaces accept a statutory declaration instead. This is a written statement you sign yourself. Your employer’s policy will tell you what type of evidence they accept.

When do you need a career certificate?

Common situations

You may need a carer’s certificate when you are:

• Caring for a sick child
• Caring for a partner or parent
• Caring for a household member
• Dealing with an emergency care situation, like an unexpected illness

When you might not need one

You might not need a carer’s certificate if:

• Your employer does not request evidence
• Your workplace policy sets different thresholds for when proof is required

Not all employers ask for evidence every time. It depends on your workplace and how long you are away.

If your employer has asked for evidence, a GP consultation can help determine whether a carer’s certificate is appropriate.

Who can issue a carers certificate in Australia?

A carer’s certificate can be issued by:

• A GP (in-person or telehealth)
• Some clinics and urgent care services
• A statutory declaration asan  alternative evidence, where your employer accepts it

One important thing to know: a certificate is issued after assessment, not automatically. The GP will ask questions about the situation. They need to understand why you needed to provide care.

If attending a clinic is difficult while caring for someone, a telehealth GP can assess your situation remotely.

How to get a carer’s certificate step-by-step

1. Tell your employer you are taking carer’s leave as soon as possible
2. Confirm what evidence they want
3. Gather key details before a consult: who you are caring for, their symptoms, and the dates you need off.
4. Book a GP consultation (telehealth or in-person)
5. Explain the situation honestly and clearly
6. Receive the certificate if clinically appropriate
7. Send it to your employer and keep a copy for your records

Most GPs will ask basic questions. They want to understand the care situation. Answer clearly and stick to the facts.

If you reach the consultation step, an online GP appointment can help you complete this process without leaving home.

Telehealth option: Can you get a carer’s certificate online?

Yes. Many Australians now use telehealth GP consultations to get a carer’s certificate.

Telehealth works well for carers’ certificates because:

• You do not need to leave the person you are caring for
• You can book a same-day appointment in many cases
• The GP can still assess your situation properly over video or phone

The process is the same as an in-person visit. The GP will ask questions about the care you provided. If they believe a certificate is appropriate, they will issue it and send it to you.

Telehealth does not mean automatic approval. The GP still makes a clinical decision.

A telehealth GP can review your circumstances and issue appropriate documentation when clinically justified.

What information should be on a carer’s certificate?

A carer’s certificate should include:

• Your name
• Date or dates you needed to provide care
• A statement that you needed to care for someone unwell
• Provider details (GP or clinic details)
• Date the certificate was issued

You usually do not need to disclose the other person’s diagnosis. Privacy laws protect that information. Most certificates only say you were caring for a family or household member.

What employers can ask for:

Employers can request evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person. This is how the Fair Work Act describes it.

In practice, this means:

• Employers can ask for a carer’s certificate or a statutory declaration
• Employers can ask for proof that you were caring for someone
• Employers generally do not need private medical details about the other person

Workplace policies vary. Some employers may ask for evidence after one day. Others may only ask after several days. Check your workplace agreement or speak with HR.

Common mistakes that delay approval

• Waiting too long to notify your employer. Let them know as soon as you can, even if you do not have the certificate yet.
• Getting the wrong type of certificate. A medical certificate says you are sick. A carer’s certificate says you were caring for someone else.
• Sending too much personal information. You do not need to include the diagnosis or private details.
• Not matching the dates. Make sure the certificate dates match the days you took off.
• Assuming it is always required. Evidence is only needed when your employer requests it.

If you are unsure which certificate is appropriate, a GP can clarify this during a consultation.

FAQ’s:

How to get a carer’s certificate quickly in Australia?

Book a GP appointment as soon as your employer requests evidence. Telehealth consultations can often provide same-day appointments. The GP will assess your situation and issue a certificate if appropriate.

Can I get a carer’s certificate online?

Yes. Telehealth GP services can issue carer’s certificates after an online consultation. The GP will ask about the care you provided and issue documentation if clinically justified.

What is the difference between a medical certificate and a carer’s certificate?

A medical certificate says you are unfit for work due to your own illness. A carer’s certificate says you needed time off to care for someone else who was sick or injured.

Can my employer refuse carer’s leave?

Under the Fair Work Act, eligible employees are entitled to carer’s leave. Your employer cannot unreasonably refuse it. However, they can ask for evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person.

Does a carer’s certificate need the patient’s diagnosis?

No. A carer’s certificate does not usually include the diagnosis of the person you were caring for. It only confirms that you needed to provide care.

Can I use a Stat Dec instead of a carer’s certificate?

Some employers accept a statutory declaration instead of a carer’s certificate. Check your workplace policy or ask your employer what type of evidence they accept.

How long does it take to get a carer’s certificate?

If you book a telehealth or in-person GP appointment, you can get a carer’s certificate the same day. The GP will assess your situation during the consultation and issue the certificate if appropriate.

Still unsure how this applies to your situation? A GP can provide personalised guidance.

Summary

A carer’s certificate is required when your employer asks for evidence to support your carer’s leave. It can be issued by a GP, either in person or through telehealth, or in some cases, by a statutory declaration. To get a carer’s certificate quickly, notify your employer as soon as possible, confirm the required evidence, book a GP consultation, and send the certificate to your employer. 

Make sure to include essential details such as your name, the dates you provided care, and a statement confirming your role as a carer, while keeping private medical details confidential. Telehealth is an excellent option for those who cannot leave the person they are caring for.

If you need a carer’s certificate, speak with an Australian-registered GP today via telehealth. They can assess your situation, provide the necessary documentation, and guide you through the process efficiently.