Carer’s leave entitlement

Carer’s leave entitlement is a legal provision under Australian workplace legislation that permits employees to take time off to care for a close family member or a member of the household who is sick, injured, or facing an emergency. 

Paid personal/carer’s leave (for permanent employees) 

• Accessible to both full-time and part-time staff. 

• Accumulates over time as stipulated by the Fair Work Act 2009. 

• Can be utilised when caring obligations arise. 

• Compensated at the employee’s base pay rate. 

Unpaid carer’s leave (for casual employees and others) 

• Available to casual workers and certain other employees. 

• Up to two days per incident. 

• Applicable in situations where paid leave is unavailable. 

Key considerations 

• Employers may request documentation as evidence. 

• This leave is protected in terms of job security. 

• Conditions may differ based on awards or enterprise agreements. 

Qualifying situations & recipients 

• Close family members 

• Members of the household 

• Unforeseen emergencies or severe illness 

Carer’s leave supports workers in Australia by acknowledging caregiving duties while safeguarding employment rights.