Carer’s leave lets you take time off work to look after a close family member or someone you live with who’s unwell, injured, or dealing with an emergency. In Australia, it’s protected by workplace laws, but your employer can ask for “reasonable evidence” that the leave is legitimate.
Overview of carer’s leave evidence requirements
Employers are allowed to request evidence when you take carer’s leave, especially if:
- The leave is more than a day or two – Longer absences often trigger a request for paperwork, even in supportive workplaces.
- The request is short-notice or last-minute – It’s common for businesses to ask for evidence when rosters or workloads are affected.
- It’s part of company policy – Some workplaces ask for evidence from day one. Others only ask sometimes.
What counts as acceptable evidence for carer’s leave
Here’s what is usually considered “reasonable evidence” in Australia.
- A medical certificate from a doctor – This is the most common option. It confirms the person you’re caring for needs support due to illness or injury. It does not need to spell out the diagnosis or private health details.
- An online (telehealth) carer’s certificate – If getting to a clinic isn’t practical, telehealth is a normal alternative. As long as it’s issued by an Australian-registered practitioner, it’s generally treated the same as an in-person certificate.
Get a carer’s medical certificate now with Hola Health. Receive on your mobile within minutes upon approval, signed by an AHPRA-registered Australian medical practitioner.
For whom the carer’s leave is used
Carer’s leave is usually for someone who depends on you for care or support, such as:
- Immediate family members (like a parent, partner, child, or sibling). This includes situations where they’re sick, injured, or have an emergency.
- Someone you live with. If they’re part of your household and need care, carer’s leave may apply.
- A dependent who needs help. For example, a child who is suddenly unwell and can’t attend school or childcare.
What the Fair Work Act says (in plain English)
Under Australian workplace laws, employers can ask for reasonable evidence for carer’s leave. The evidence should line up with:
- Why you were away, and
- How long you were away for
In most cases, a medical certificate or a valid carer’s certificate will meet the requirement.
What evidence is usually not accepted
These are commonly rejected because they’re not considered “reasonable evidence” on their own:
- Text messages or informal emails – A message might explain what happened, but it usually won’t be enough if evidence is requested.
- A verbal explanation with no documentation – Even if it’s genuine, employers can still ask for something in writing.
- Non-medical confirmation when medical evidence is expected – For example, a note from a friend or family member usually won’t replace a medical certificate.
Employee privacy and rights
This part matters a lot.
- You don’t have to share a diagnosis. Your employer generally isn’t entitled to the private medical details of the person you cared for.
- Your documentation should be handled confidentially; Certificates should be stored and treated as sensitive information, not shared casually in the workplace.
Step-by-step guide to get a carer’s certificate online
- Fill out a secure online form: To make it hassle-free, you will be asked to fill out a simple guided questionnaire, ensuring you mention symptoms and needs, which the doctor will review. This helps the doctor’s documentation be thorough.
- The doctor reviews your request: The doctor will assess and review your request and, if appropriate, email you a medical certificate for carers, often within minutes. It’s a convenient option if you’re too sick to travel to a clinic.
- Receive the doctor’s certificate: Certificates are delivered via email. You can forward the PDF to your employer, and it’s easy to read and store.
For a medical certificate for more than one day, you will have a quick consult with a practitioner. This makes sure the certificates issued are reasonable and less likely to be questioned.
Important considerations to keep in mind
- Evidence rules can vary by employer. Always check your contract, enterprise agreement, or workplace policy.
- Certificates usually can’t be backdated easily. If you need one, try to organise it as soon as possible.
- Telehealth medical certificates are widely accepted. They’re especially helpful when you can’t leave the person you’re caring for, or when clinics are hard to access.
- Policies may differ even within the same industry. Some workplaces require evidence from day one; others only ask occasionally.
