Culture & Holidays: Leave and public holidays in Australia

Annual leave and paid time off

Annual leave, also known as “holiday pay” in Australia, begins accruing as soon as an employee begins work. All employees except casual employees are entitled to holiday pay. Part- and full-time employees receive up to four weeks of paid leave, with shift workers receiving up to five weeks, depending on their industry.

Additional leave may be offered as part of an employment contract or enterprise agreement, though it is not required by law. Many employers offer enhanced leave policies to stay competitive and improve retention.

Public holidays

In Australia, employees are entitled to numerous public holidays, for which paid leave is required. Public holidays vary by state and territory, but national holidays that are observed across the nation include:

• January 1: New Year's Day

• January 26: Australia Day

• Good Friday, Easter, and Easter Monday

• April 25: ANZAC Day

• June (second Monday): King’s Birthday

• December 25: Christmas Day

• December 26: Boxing Day

Sick leave

All workers in Australia except those under casual work contracts are entitled to paid sick leave and carer’s leave. An employee can take sick leave if they’re suffering from a personal injury or illness, and must provide a medical certificate if requested by their employer. Carer’s leave applies  Carer’s leave applies when an employee needs to take off to care for a member of their immediate family or household who is sick, injured, or has an unexpected emergency.

Full-time employees are entitled to 10 days of paid sick and carer’s leave per year, which accumulates based on how long they have worked. Unused leave carries over into the next year. Part-time employees earn leave on a prorated basis based on how many hours they have worked.

Compassionate and bereavement leave

Australian employees are entitled to two days of compassionate leave per incident. Covered incidents include any of the following happening with an immediate family or household member:

• Death

• Contraction of life-threatening illness or injury

• Miscarriage or stillborn birth

Casual employees receive unpaid compassionate leave, while all other employees receive their normal wages.

Family and domestic violence leave

All employees, including casual employees, are entitled to 10 days of family and domestic violence leave, which can be used when an employee is experiencing violence, threatening, or abusive behavior. This entitlement is available immediately upon employment and does not accrue. It resets on a an employee’s work anniversary.

Parental leave

Parental leave laws in Australia are comprehensive, and the government also pays many workers on parental leave, meaning that employers are required to provide unpaid leave only. However, many companies choose to compensate employees during all or part of their leave in order to make their compensation packages more competitive.

While pregnant, employees are entitled to job safety as well special leave in the event of a pregnancy-related illness. They may also be entitled to flexible working arrangements. After birth or adoption, both parents are eligible for up to 24 months of unpaid leave. Employers may elect to hire replacement workers during this time.

Other leave

Other types of paid and unpaid leave are defined under Australian law, including unpaid carer’s leave, community service leave, and long service leave. To make sure you’re aware of every type of leave an Australian employee is entitled to, partner with a global workforce enablement partner like Safeguard Global. We can advise you about Australian employment law, help you recruit Australian workers and create competitive compensation packages, and even hire workers in Australia on your behalf, thereby taking on the legal risk. Contact us today.