If you’re working in Australia whether full-time, part-time, or casually it’s essential to know your sick leave rights. Life happens: colds, mental health challenges, family emergencies. Knowing what you’re entitled to under Australian law makes all the difference when you need time off to recover or care for someone.
In this expert guide, we break down how sick leave works in Australia, who gets it, how much leave you’re entitled to, and how to obtain medical certificates online through Telehealthdr.
What Is Sick Leave in Australia?
Sick leave, also referred to as personal leave, is paid time off that employees can take when they’re unwell or need to care for a family or household member with a medical issue. It’s part of your National Employment Standards (NES) the minimum entitlements that apply to employees across the country.
Sick leave includes:
- Paid Sick Leave: For personal illness or injury
- Paid Carer’s Leave: For caring responsibilities
- Unpaid Carer’s Leave: If you’ve used up your paid entitlement
How Much Sick Leave Do You Get Per Year?
If you’re a full-time employee, you’re entitled to:
- 10 days of paid sick and carer’s leave per year
If you’re a part-time employee, this is calculated pro rata based on your ordinary hours of work.
Casual employees are not entitled to paid sick leave but can take 2 days of unpaid carer’s leave per permissible occasion.
Your sick leave entitlement accumulates from year to year and starts building up from your first day on the job.
When Can You Use Sick Leave?
You can use sick leave if:
- You’re unfit for work due to personal illness or injury (including mental health conditions)
- You need to care for a sick child, partner, parent, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling
- There’s an unexpected emergency involving a family or household member
If you’ve used up your paid leave, you’re still entitled to unpaid carer’s leave in these situations.
Do You Need a Medical Certificate?
Yes, in most cases employers require proof of illness or care obligations.
Acceptable proof includes:
- A medical certificate from an AHPRA-registered doctor
- A statutory declaration if you didn’t consult a doctor
With Telehealthdr, you can get a valid medical certificate online no waiting rooms, no long lines. Just book a video consultation and receive your certificate directly in your inbox.
Getting a Sick Certificate Online with Telehealthdr
Step 1: Book a same-day online consultation
Step 2: Speak to a licensed Australian doctor via video call
Step 3: Receive your digital medical certificate within minutes
Our sick certificates are legally valid and accepted by employers across Australia. Whether it’s a one-day leave or multiple days, we’ve got you covered.
What About Long-Term Sick Leave?
Employees who have worked for at least 12 months may also be entitled to:
- Extended unpaid leave for long-term illness
- Access to long service leave (if eligible)
Your rights may also include workplace adjustments and return-to-work support if you’re recovering from a serious condition.
Sick Leave & Mental Health
Mental health issues are just as valid as physical ones. If you’re experiencing:
- Anxiety or depression
- Burnout or emotional exhaustion
- Stress-related illness
…you can use your paid sick leave. You can also obtain a mental health medical certificate through Telehealthdr.
Sick and Carer Leave vs Annual Leave
Sick and carer’s leave is separate from your annual leave. You shouldn’t be forced to use your holiday days to recover from an illness or care for someone.
However, you can choose to take annual leave if you’ve exhausted your sick leave entitlements and still need time off.
What If You’re Not Sure?
If you’re unsure about:
- Whether you’re entitled to leave
- How many days you’ve accrued
- What paperwork is required
Speak to your HR team or consult the Fair Work Ombudsman for official guidance. And if you need a certificate fast, remember that Telehealthdr can help you get one online in under 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Sick leave isn’t just a legal right it’s about health, safety, and wellbeing. Whether you’re caring for someone or recovering yourself, you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking time off.
At Telehealthdr, we make the process easy. Our online consultations are fast, convenient, and secure. Get back on the road to recovery without leaving home.
Need a sick certificate now?
Visit Telehealthdr to book your consultation today and get your certificate online.
Stay informed. Stay supported. Stay healthy.