Official Partner of Cricket Australia
Medically reviewed by Dr Ammar Al-Ani
MBChB, CCBST, AMC, General Practitioner, 28+ Years of Experience
Updated in August 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 (or a Doctor’s note) 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 services in Australia are a convenient option. You can get a doctor’s 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.
Yes. An online medical certificate via telehealth is accepted by employers in Australia. The important thing is that the certificate is issued by a registered medical practitioner.
Employers may ask for evidence when you take sick leave. A medical certificate from a registered practitioner can be used as evidence of illness.
If your employer is unfamiliar with telehealth certificates, you can simply explain that the certificate was issued by an Australian-registered medical practitioner. You can also check that the certificate includes the doctor’s details, such as their provider number and contact information, if your employer needs to verify it.
Remember: Your employer may have its own requirements for evidence when you take sick leave. If you are unsure, check your workplace policy or speak with your employer.
Doctor’s certificate online are medical certificates that are accessed via telehealth. The only catch is that the telehealth platform should be reputable, AHPRA-registered, and only work with AHPRA-registered doctors or nurse practitioners. Here are a few benefits of an online doctor certificate or sick leave certificate:
In short: An online medical certificate can be a convenient option when you’re unwell and unable to get to a clinic. You can speak with a doctor from home and, if appropriate, receive your certificate digitally.