Sick Certificates

Know when to take a sick day in Australia—covering illness, mental health, grief, caring duties, and your workplace rights

Dr. Louis J Sisk

BSc(Hons) MBChB MRCS(Glasg) MTrauma

Published: August 23, 2025

What You Need to Know – The Basics

• Full-time and part-time employees accrue 10 days of paid personal (sick) and carer’s leave per year, which rolls over if not used.¹
• Casual employees get 2 days of unpaid carer’s leave per occasion.¹
• All employees — including casuals — are eligible for 2 days of compassionate (bereavement) leave per occasion.¹
• Since February 2023, every employee can access 10 days of paid family & domestic violence leave per year.²
• You deserve to feel safe and supported in your workplace.

Overview

Taking a sick day is about more than just having the flu. In Australia, personal leave covers both physical illness and mental health. This means if you’re struggling with anxiety, grief, poor sleep, OCD, or relationship stress, you have the right to step away from work.

Chronic stress and fatigue reduce performance and can increase the risk of workplace accidents. By law, sick leave exists to protect your health and keep workplaces safe.

When You Can Take a Sick Day

• Physical illness: colds, flu, migraines, chronic pain flare-ups.
• Mental health: anxiety, panic attacks, depression, burnout.
• Sleep deprivation: if you are unsafe to work (e.g., driving, machinery).
• Caring duties: your child or immediate family member is sick or injured.
• Grief and bereavement: compassionate leave applies.
• Family and domestic violence: if you need time for safety planning, legal or medical appointments.

You cannot take sick leave for things like routine holidays, moving house, or minor errands unless your employer specifically approves annual leave.

Notice & Evidence

• Tell your employer as soon as practicable, even after the absence begins, and include the expected length of leave.³
• Employers can request reasonable evidence, such as a medical certificate or statutory declaration — even for one day’s leave.³

Symptoms and Personal Impact

You might need a sick day if you notice:

• Constant fatigue or feeling unsafe to drive/work.
• Anxiety or panic symptoms disrupting concentration.
• Low mood, grief, or emotional overwhelm.
• Physical illness symptoms like fever or stomach upset.
• Stress spilling into your relationships and work performance.

Summary Table: Your Leave Entitlements

*Compassionate leave is unpaid for casual employees.

How Doccy Can Help

At Doccy, we understand that life doesn’t stop when you’re unwell. We can:

• Help you navigate anxiety, burnout, grief, or sleep issues with GP or mental health referrals.
• Provide guidance on what evidence your workplace may require.
• Support you with mental health treatment plans to access Medicare rebates.
• Connect you to counsellors, psychologists, or online therapy.
• Assist with safety planning if family or domestic violence is a concern.

Key Takeaways

• Sick leave in Australia covers physical and mental health.
• You’re legally protected under the National Employment Standards (NES).
• Different situations — illness, caring duties, grief, FDV — have different leave categories.
• Notify your employer promptly, and provide evidence if requested.
• With support, you can protect your health while keeping your job secure.

Related Articles

• Depression and Low Mood
• Anxiety and Worry
• Stress
• Sleep Problems

This page is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional for personal care.

References