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Updated: 09/04/2026
A workplace that prioritises employee well-being plays a key role in achieving a healthy work-life balance. In Australia, personal care leave is an important benefit offered by employers, designed to support employees during times of personal or family need.
This type of leave ensures that individuals can take time off without sacrificing their income, providing the flexibility and peace of mind necessary to manage personal responsibilities. Understanding how personal leave works in Australia is essential for both employers and employees to maintain a healthy work environment.
Personal care leave, also known as personal leave or sick/carer’s leave, allows employees to take paid time off to manage personal illness or injury or to provide care or support to an immediate family or household member experiencing illness, injury, or an unexpected emergency.
Unlike annual leave, personal care leave is specifically reserved for unplanned circumstances that require immediate attention. It ensures employees don’t have to prioritise work over their health or their family’s well-being.
Here are the core aspects of personal care leave entitlements as outlined by the Fair Work Act 2009, which is applicable to most workplaces in Australia:
Full-time employees are entitled to 10 days of paid personal care leave per year. For part-time employees, the leave is pro-rated based on their working hours.
Personal care leave in Australia accrues progressively throughout the year based on hours worked. Unused personal care leave can roll over to the next year, allowing employees to build a balance of leave for future use.
Employees may use personal care leave for the following reasons:
Employers may request evidence, such as a medical certificate, in the form of a carer’s leave certificate, or a sick leave certificate, to confirm the need for leave.
Note: In addition to personal/carer’s leave, employees are also protected under Baby Priya’s Law (2025), which ensures that employer-funded paid parental leave cannot be refused or cancelled in sensitive family circumstances, such as when the leave is unexpectedly affected. This law does not change personal or carer’s leave entitlements.
Personal care leave is not just a workplace benefit; it plays an important role in promoting a healthy work-life balance and a supportive workplace culture.
Protects Physical and Mental Health
Employees may focus on recovery or address urgent family responsibilities without the stress of missing work.
Fosters Job Security
Personal care leave ensures that employees don’t lose out on wages or workplace protections while managing personal matters.
Promotes Productivity
Healthy and supported employees are happier and more productive when they return to work.
Encourages Balance
Employees can manage their personal and professional commitments effectively, fostering long-term loyalty and satisfaction.
Finding a reliable online provider for personal leave certificates is an important step in ensuring your needs are met smoothly and effectively. While a simple Google search will present you with numerous options, it’s essential to take the time to choose a trustworthy service. OnCare Health provides easy and convenient options to obtain a carer’s leave certificate or a sick leave certificate with a few simple steps.
After selecting a suitable online service provider, you can choose the type of certificate that best suits your needs. Depending on your specific situation, you can choose from carer’s leave certificates or sick leave certificates.
You will need to answer a simple questionnaire about your general health and the reason for your leave. This will help the online provider determine the type of certificate you require.
Once you complete the questionnaire, you will be directed to the online payment portal to pay for your certificate.
After completing the payment process, you will receive your certificate via email in a timely manner.
Yes, personal care and carer’s leave are paid entitlements. Employees receive their usual base rate of pay for ordinary hours worked during their time off.
No. Casual employees are not entitled to paid personal care leave under National Employment Standards, as they receive a loading in lieu of leave entitlements. However, they are entitled to unpaid carer’s leave if required.
Yes, any unused personal care leave carries over to the following year, allowing employees to build a balance over time.
Yes, Mental health conditions fall under the category of personal illness, making employees eligible to take personal care leave to address such concerns. However, it is recommended to consult with a doctor before claiming personal care leave for mental health reasons.
Yes, if you present your employer with a certificate that meets all the requirements set by the Fairwork Act 2009, your employer will have no problem accepting it.
Personal care leave is more than a workplace policy; it reflects workplace ethics and employee well-being. For those juggling work and personal responsibilities, knowing your entitlements and using them effectively can make all the difference.
Put your health and family first. When needed, take advantage of your care leave rights without hesitation. Need a personal care leave certificate? Get yours online in minutes with OnCare Health. Click here to apply now!
