Parental leave
| Under Australian employment law, employees may need to provide medical documentation, such as a medical certificate, to their employer when applying for parental leave, requesting special maternity leave for pregnancy-related illnesses, or applying for a transfer to a “safe job” during pregnancy. |
What medical evidence is required for parental leave in Australia?
If you’re taking unpaid parental leave, your employer may request evidence of your expected due date, such as a certificate from a doctor or midwife.
If you require a safe job transfer during pregnancy or unpaid special parental leave due to a pregnancy-related illness, your employer may ask for a medical certificate or other appropriate evidence.
Do I need a medical certificate to work within 6 weeks of my due date?
Often, yes. Many employers require a fitness-for-work certificate if you plan to continue working during the last six weeks before your due date. The certificate confirms that it’s medically safe for you to continue working. If your doctor does not consider it safe, or you don’t provide the requested evidence, your employer may require you to begin your unpaid parental leave.
Special maternity leave vs. standard parental leave.
These cover different situations:
- Standard parental leave is unpaid leave taken around the birth or adoption of a child. Eligible employees can generally take up to 12 months of leave, with the option to extend to 24 months.
- Special maternity leave is unpaid leave for pregnancy-related illness before parental leave begins. It does not affect your standard parental leave entitlement.
How Hola Health can help?
Need a medical certificate for pregnancy-related illnesses, like severe morning sickness, or to support your leave application? While comprehensive obstetric care requires you to attend regular in-person appointments, Hola Health’s online doctors or nurse practitioners provide valid sick notes from the comfort of your couch, if clinically appropriate.
Telehealth is not suitable for medical emergencies. If you experience severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or signs of a pregnancy emergency, call 000 or visit the nearest emergency department.
