Medical Certificate Rights for Part-Time and Full-Time Workers in Australia

Overview

Medical certificates are a normal part of working life in Australia. They help explain why you couldn’t attend work due to illness or injury.

Your rights don’t disappear just because you work fewer hours. In most cases, part-time workers have the same protections as full-time workers.

Knowing what your employer can (and can’t) ask makes sick days less stressful. It also helps keep things fair on both sides.

What is a Medical Certificate?

A medical certificate is written evidence from a registered health professional. It confirms you were unfit for work for a specific period.

It’s usually used when you’re too unwell or injured to safely do your job. It can also apply if you need time off for recovery.

You can generally get a medical certificate from:

• Registered online GPs and medical specialists – These are the most common and widely accepted.
• Telehealth or online doctors (Australian-registered) – Useful when you can’t easily get to a clinic.
• Other registered health practitioners in some situations (e.g., pharmacists) – Some workplaces accept alternative certificates depending on the situation and workplace policy.

Legal Basis for Sick Leave and Medical Certificates

In Australia, sick leave is usually covered under the Fair Work system and your award, enterprise agreement, or contract. Whether it’s paid or unpaid depends on your employment type.

If you take sick leave, your employer can ask for evidence. The law generally describes this as evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person.

As a worker, you’re typically expected to:

• Let your workplace know as soon as you can – a quick message or call early is usually best.
• Provide evidence if your employer asks for it – this might mean seeing a doctor in person or using telehealth.

Key reminder:

• A medical certificate is usually the simplest and strongest form of proof. Other evidence (like a statutory declaration) may be accepted sometimes, but it depends on the workplace.

Rights for Full-Time Workers

Paid sick leave entitlements

Full-time employees usually build up paid sick leave (often called personal/carer’s leave). This can be used for your own illness or to care for an immediate family member.

If you’re off work for more than a day or two, many workplaces ask for a certificate. Some employers also request one for single-day absences, especially around weekends or public holidays.

Privacy and confidentiality

You don’t have to explain your diagnosis to your boss. A certificate usually only needs to state that you’re unfit for work and the dates covered.

Your medical details should be treated as private. Employers must handle medical information carefully and keep it secure.

Employer requests for evidence

Employers can ask for reasonable evidence of your absence. But they can’t demand your full medical record or sensitive clinical details.

Rights for Part-Time Workers

Pro-rated sick leave

Part-time workers generally build sick leave based on hours worked. So the balance may grow more slowly, but the right to use it is still there.

The same rules around evidence usually apply. Being part-time doesn’t mean you “need less proof” if the employer requests it.

Evidence requirements

Employers can ask for a medical certificate from part-time staff too. In most cases, a standard doctor’s note is enough.

Special considerations

Sick leave usually covers the shifts you were rostered to work. If you weren’t scheduled that day, sick leave generally doesn’t apply.

Flexible arrangements don’t cancel workplace expectations. You may still need to follow the usual calling-in process and provide evidence if asked.

Who Can Issue a Valid Medical Certificate?

A valid medical certificate is typically issued by:

• Doctors and specialists registered in Australia
• Australian-registered telehealth doctors
• Other registered practitioners where appropriate (such as pharmacists or psychologists) – Acceptance can vary depending on what the certificate is for and your workplace policy.

What’s Included on a Medical Certificate?

Most certificates include:

• The practitioner’s name and provider details
• The dates you are unfit for work (or recommended duties/restrictions)
• The date it was issued

Important note:

• A certificate does not usually need to include your diagnosis. Your employer generally only needs confirmation you couldn’t work, and when.

Employer Rights and Limits

Employers can:

• Ask for evidence that you were unwell, if it’s reasonable.
• Set workplace policies around when evidence is required (within legal limits).

Employers can’t:

• Demand your diagnosis or full medical history.
• Pressure you to reveal private health information beyond what’s needed.

They must also:

• Keep any medical information confidential and stored appropriately.

Common Misconceptions

• “Part-time workers don’t need medical certificates.” Not true. If evidence is requested, part-time staff may need to provide it.
• “Employers can ask for your diagnosis.” Generally no. Most of the time, they’re only entitled to confirmation you were unfit for work.
• “Online medical certificates aren’t legitimate.” Not true. If issued by an Australian-registered practitioner, they’re generally valid.
• “All absences are always paid.” Not always. Payment depends on your leave balance and employment type.

Conclusion

• Whether you’re part-time or full-time, you have rights around sick leave in Australia. Employers can ask for reasonable proof when you’re away due to illness or injury.
• A medical certificate is commonly accepted evidence. But your privacy still matters, and your employer usually can’t ask for your diagnosis.
• If you’re unsure, check your workplace policy alongside your award or contract. Ask HR or Fair Work for guidance if something doesn’t feel right.

FAQs

If I take a single day off as a casual worker, do I always need a medical certificate?

Not always. But if your employer asks for evidence, you may need to provide it. Casual workers usually don’t get paid sick leave, but evidence can still be required.

Can employers accept online medical certificates for part-time and full-time staff?

Yes, in most cases. It needs to be issued by an Australian-registered practitioner. Some workplaces may have extra checks, but they can’t dismiss it just because it was telehealth.

Can my employer ask about my diagnosis?

Generally, no. A certificate usually doesn’t need to state your condition. Your employer normally only needs the dates you’re unfit for work.