Carer’s leave in Australia is a National Employment Standard (NES) entitlement under the Fair Work Act 2009. Unlike some other leave types, carer’s leave is a statutory right — you do not need to negotiate for it if you have the entitlement available. This letter is a formal notification, not a request.

Key Takeaways

  • Carer’s leave is available to all employees covered by the National Employment Standards — 10 days of paid personal/carer’s leave per year, accumulating if not used.
  • Casual employees can take 2 days of unpaid carer’s leave per year.
  • Carer’s leave can be used to care for a family member or household member who is ill, injured, or has an unexpected emergency.
  • You can take carer’s leave in hourly increments if your award or agreement allows it — you do not need to take a full day.
  • The leave is for you to care for someone else — not for your own illness (that is personal leave, which is usually the same accrual pool).
  • Evidence can be required — your employer can ask for reasonable evidence (such as a medical certificate) if the absence is more than a day.

Template Letter: Carer’s Leave Request

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

[Manager's Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Subject: Carer's Leave Notification — [Your Name]

Dear [Manager's Name],

I am writing to notify you that I need to take carer's leave under the Fair Work Act 2009.

I need to care for my [relationship — e.g., mother / father / partner / child], who is [ill / injured / has an unexpected emergency]. I expect to need leave from [Start Date] to [End Date].

I understand that I have [X] days of personal/carer's leave remaining. I would like to apply my accrued personal/carer's leave to this absence.

If my paid personal/carer's leave is exhausted, I would like to request unpaid carer's leave for any additional time needed.

During my absence, I have asked [Name] to cover [specific responsibility]. I will update you if the situation changes.

Please let me know if you require any evidence, such as a medical certificate, once the period exceeds one day.

Thank you for your understanding.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Template Letter: Shorter Version (Email)

For shorter carer’s leave needs, a brief email is sufficient.

Subject: Carer's Leave — [Your Name], [Date]

Hi [Manager],

I need to take carer's leave today to care for my [relationship] who is unwell. I expect to be back [tomorrow / on Date].

I have [X] personal/carer's leave days remaining. I'd like to use my accrued leave for this absence.

[Colleague] is aware of [task] and can handle anything urgent.

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Carer’s Leave Entitlements — Australia

Entitlement Full-Time / Part-Time Employees Casual Employees
Paid carer’s leave 10 days per year (accrues yearly) Not available
Unpaid carer’s leave When paid leave exhausted 2 days per year
Evidence required Reasonable evidence (medical certificate, statutory declaration) Same
Accrual Accrues progressively during employment N/A
Carry over Accumulates if unused (no cap under NES) Does not accumulate

Who You Can Care For

Carer’s leave under the Fair Work Act covers caring for:

  • A spouse or de facto partner
  • A child (including foster child, stepchild, or adopted child)
  • A parent (including foster parent, step-parent, or in-law)
  • A grandparent, grandchild, or sibling
  • A member of your household (someone who lives with you)

If you need to care for someone not in this list — a close friend, a neighbour — you can request annual leave, unpaid leave, or compassionate leave as appropriate.

Carer’s Leave vs Compassionate Leave

Leave Type When to Use Entitlement
Personal/carer’s leave You are ill or injured, or you need to care for a family or household member 10 days paid per year
Compassionate leave A family or household member has died, or has a life-threatening illness or injury 2 days paid per occasion

Compassionate leave is a separate entitlement under the NES, also paid. It is separate from the 10-day personal/carer’s leave pool.

Evidence Requirements

Your employer can ask for evidence that the carer’s leave is genuine. Acceptable evidence includes:

  • A medical certificate from the person you are caring for
  • A statutory declaration
  • Confirmation of a hospital appointment
  • A letter from a health professional

If you cannot provide evidence — for example, because the situation is ongoing — your employer should allow reasonable time to provide it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take carer’s leave for a recurring appointment?

Yes, if the appointment is part of caring for someone who is ill or injured. For example, weekly physiotherapy appointments for a parent, or regular hospital visits for a child with a chronic condition. Discuss the recurring need with your employer upfront.

Can my employer refuse my carer’s leave request?

No. Carer’s leave is a statutory entitlement under the Fair Work Act. If you have the leave available and have given notice, your employer cannot refuse it. They can ask for evidence, but they cannot deny the leave itself.

Does carer’s leave count as a “sick day”? What about my own sick leave?

Personal/carer’s leave is a single entitlement pool — 10 days per year. Using it to care for someone else reduces the same balance that you would use if you were personally ill. You cannot have both “personal” and “carer’s” leave as separate 10-day entitlements.

Can I take carer’s leave if the person I care for is in another city?

Yes. The Fair Work Act does not require you to be in the same location as the person you care for. You may need time off to travel to them, as well as to provide care.

How much notice do I need to give for carer’s leave?

You should notify your employer as soon as possible. For planned care (e.g., a scheduled hospital appointment), give as much notice as you can. For emergencies, call or text as soon as you know you cannot come in.

Manage Carer’s Leave Without the Stress

Leave Balance tracks personal/carer’s leave accruals, notifies managers of absences, and keeps a complete record of every use — so you can focus on caring for your family, not on paperwork.

You can take advantage of the free 14 days trial and explore Leave Balance.