🎉 Hola has a new look. Same service, same care.
Medically reviewed by Dr Ammar Al-Ani
MBChB, CCBST, AMC, General Practitioner, 28+ Years of Experience
Updated in July 2026
Sometimes, yes. In Australia, some employers may accept a statutory declaration as proof of illness, particularly for brief absences or when visiting a doctor is problematic. A statutory declaration is a written document that confirms why you were unable to attend work or fulfil commitments.
However, acceptance is contingent on workplace regulations, awards, or employer criteria. Some companies expressly ask for a medical certificate for sick leave, particularly for repeated sick days or regular absences. If you are doubtful, you should always consult with your employer before relying on a statutory declaration rather than medical proof.
A medical certificate is issued by a qualified health practitioner confirming you were unfit for work on certain dates. It doesn’t need to state your diagnosis — just that you couldn’t work for health reasons.
A statutory declaration (“stat dec”) is a legal document where you declare, in front of an authorised witness, that you were unwell. It’s signed by you, not a doctor. Making a false statement in a stat dec is a serious offence.
Both are generally accepted as evidence for sick leave under the Fair Work Act, as long as they’d satisfy a reasonable person that you were genuinely unable to work.
A stat dec can help when you can’t get a medical certificate in time — for example, if clinics are closed on a weekend, you’re in a remote area, or it’s just a short one-day absence. It’s generally used as a backup when a Dr certificate isn’t quickly available, not a routine substitute.
That’s where 24/7 telehealth service in Australia is a convenient option. You can get a doctor certificate online that is valid and legitimate, without going anywhere. Whether it’s the weekend, a public holiday or late at night, genuine telehealth services like Hola Health provide a doctor’s note or medical certificate online in minutes, if clinically appropriate.
Always check your workplace policy first — some employers have their own requirements.
Usually, yes — provided it’s properly completed and witnessed. A few tips:
Since 2024, Commonwealth stat decs can also be completed digitally via myGov, without an in-person witness — check the Attorney-General’s Department site for current details, as this is a newer process.
Yes. With Hola Health, you can connect with an AHPRA-registered doctor or qualified health practitioner in minutes. If, after assessing you, they determine a certificate is clinically appropriate, it’s issued and sent to you securely — usually in minutes.
Yes. A certificate issued by an AHPRA-registered practitioner following a genuine telehealth assessment is recognised evidence for sick leave under the Fair Work Act 2009 — the same as one from an in-person visit. What matters is that it’s properly issued by a registered practitioner, not how the consultation took place.
In short, getting a doctor’s certificate online via telehealth is a good solution if you can’t see your GP right away. It keeps you covered with a medical certificate and ensures you meet any work requirements for evidence. Many Australians are now using this method for minor illnesses, and it’s widely accepted.