Paid sick leave

Paid sick leave allows an eligible employee to take time away from work because they cannot work due to personal illness or injury while using accrued paid personal leave. Under Australia's national workplace system, full-time and part-time employees have relevant entitlements, while casual employees do not receive the same paid leave entitlement.

Does a certificate automatically mean I will be paid?

No. A certificate provides medical evidence, while payment also depends on eligibility, accrued leave and the applicable employment rules. An employer may ask for reasonable evidence, including for a short absence. Give notice as soon as practicable and explain the expected period away.

Check your leave balance and applicable award or agreement. Additional entitlements may exist, and not every worker is covered by the same workplace system. A doctor cannot calculate your payroll balance or decide a workplace dispute.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Fair Work Ombudsman: Sick and carer's leave - Fair Work Ombudsman.

What should I explain to the doctor?

Describe the illness or injury and how it affects your duties. The assessment should consider function, not simply whether you want a day away. Tell the doctor the actual dates and any safety-sensitive responsibilities. A clinician decides whether a certificate is appropriate and what period can be supported.

If you are caring for someone else, explain that clearly because carer's leave has different qualifying circumstances from your own sick leave. Do not select the wrong service merely because the documents look similar.

What if I have no paid leave left?

Other arrangements may be possible, but they should be discussed with the employer and checked against applicable rules. Exhausting paid leave does not mean a doctor should change the medical facts or guarantee an employment outcome.

See Doccio's sick-leave certificate information for its assessment process. The doctor decides whether to issue evidence; the employer applies the leave and payment rules. For questions about entitlements or a disputed decision, use Fair Work or another appropriate workplace adviser.

Where to go next

Read Doccio information about sick leave to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.