Understanding Carer's Leave Entitlement in WA

Updated: 25/02/2026

Caring for loved ones during illness or emergencies is crucial, and for employees in Western Australia (WA), understanding carer’s leave entitlement in WA ensures they can balance work and caregiving responsibilities.

Whether you’re a full-time, part-time, or casual employee, understanding your carer’s leave entitlement in WA can help you easily navigate difficult situations.

What is Carer's Leave Entitlement WA?

Carer’s leave allows employees to take time off to care for or support a family or household member dealing with a personal illness, injury, or emergency.

Carer’s leave falls under the broader category of personal leave, which includes taking time off for personal illness, injury, or caring responsibilities. The state Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 governs these entitlements, outlining the minimum requirements for employees in the WA state industrial relations system.

Get a Carer's Leave Certificate
for $12.99

Does WA Fall Under the Fair Work Act 2009?

Western Australia (WA) operates under a dual industrial relations system, meaning that some employees are regulated by the Fair Work Act 2009 (national system) while others follow the WA state industrial relations system.

Employees Covered by the Fair Work Act 2009

The Fair Work Act applies to employees of Pty Ltd companies (constitutional corporations), including most private sector businesses. These national system employers also encompass larger businesses with corporate structures.

Employees Covered by the WA State Industrial Relations System

The WA state system applies to employees working for sole traders, partnerships, unincorporated businesses, not-for-profits, state government entities (outside of federal awards), and most local government employers.

Individuals can consult with the Fair Work Ombudsman or WA Government Industrial Relations to confirm whether an employee is covered by the Fair Work Act 2009 or the WA state system.

Paid Personal Leave Entitlements WA

Who is Eligible for Paid Personal Leave?

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid personal leave, which ensures they have the support they need during illness or care responsibilities. While casual employees are not eligible for paid leave, they do have access to unpaid carer’s leave, which offers flexibility and support when it’s needed most.

Types of Carer’s Leave

  1. Paid Personal Leave for Full-Time and Part-Time Employees
    • Entitlement to paid personal leave includes time off for personal illness or injury and caring responsibilities.
    • Paid personal leave accrues annually and can be carried over year-to-year if unused.
  2. Unpaid Personal Leave for All Employees
    • Casual employees can use unpaid personal leave when required to provide care.

How Much Paid Leave Can You Take?

The amount of personal leave employees are entitled to depends on their working hours over two weeks each year. For full-time employees, this typically equates to up to 76 hours of personal leave annually. Part-time employees’ personal leave is calculated proportionally based on their hours worked. For example, a part-time employee working 20 hours per week would accumulate 40 hours of personal leave per year.

WA resident that needs to know about carer's leave entitlements to apply for leave

Defining "Member of the Family or Household"

Understanding eligibility for carer’s leave begins with knowing who qualifies as a “member of the family or household.” This category includes:  

  • Your spouse or de facto partner.  
  • Your child, step-child, or grandchild (including adult children).  
  • Your parent, step-parent, or grandparent.  
  • Your sibling.  
  • Any other individual living with you as part of your household.  

Evidence Requirements

Employers may request reasonable evidence to verify the need for a carer’s leave before approval, often in the form of a medical certificate. Carer’s leave certificates are also available online through trusted platforms like Oncare Health to make this process easier.

These certificates are issued by registered medical professionals or pharmacists and are designed to provide employees with a seamless solution. A carer’s leave certificate can be obtained from your home, saving you time and hassle.  

How Carer's Leave Entitlement WA Supports Employees and Employers

Carer’s leave entitlements provide valuable support to employees and employers, creating benefits that foster a balanced and productive workplace.

For Employees:  

  • Offers emotional and financial support during difficult times.  
  • Promotes a healthy work-life balance by enabling employees to manage caregiving responsibilities without compromising job security.  

For Employers:  

  • It helps build a supportive and compassionate workplace culture, boosting employee retention and satisfaction.  
  • Enhances productivity, ensuring employees are focused and well when at work. 

Take the Next Step Toward Clarity

Carer’s leave entitlements in WA promote fairness and flexibility in the workplace, supporting employees and employers. Whether you’re an employee seeking clarity on your rights or an employer striving to meet compliance standards, understanding these provisions is essential for making informed decisions.

Obtaining a carer’s leave certificate has never been easier or more convenient. With Oncare Health, the process is simple and hassle-free. Just complete a short questionnaire, make your payment, and your certificate will be emailed to you,

Get a Carer's Leave Certificate
for $12.99

FAQs about QLD Online Medical Certificates

A medical certificate, such as a sick leave certificate, is an acceptable form of evidence. According to the Fair Work Act 2009, There are no strict rules around what type of evidence is required for sick leave. However, it is said that the provided evidence must convince a reasonable person that the employee was genuinely ill or injured and unable to work.