Getting a Doctor’s Certificate for Carer’s Leave

As a parent, there are so many things you’re expected to take care of. From making sure the kids are fed and clothed, to staying on top of multiple curricular and extra-curricular schedules, you’re performing multiple jobs at the same time! And if you’re a working parent, your responsibilities are likely to increase tenfold. Unfortunately, when one of your children has fallen sick, it can throw all of your planning and schedule out the window. And with the flu season just around the corner, it’s best to be prepared and know all your options beforehand so you’re not stuck wondering how to go about getting a doctor’s certificate for carer’s leave when you can’t even leave your child’s bedside!

The Fair Work Ombudsman of Australia entitles all employees (except casual workers) to take paid sick leave when they are unable to work because of a personal illness or injury. This includes taking paid carer’s leave when an immediate family or household member is sick, injured or has an unexpected emergency. The number of sick/carer’s leave an employee is entitled to is calculated based on an employee’s normal hours of work, with a full-time employee granted 10 days and pro-rata for part-time employees.

Ordinarily, an employer can legally ask you to submit a doctor’s certificate for sick or carer leave even for as little as one day off work. In reality, most employers only ask for one if you’re taking more than two days off. This certificate is a document issued by a registered doctor that confirms that you were caring for an unwell family member during the time you were away from work. Once this certificate is provided to an employer, they are legally obliged to pay for the carer’s leave unless there is reasonable reason to suggest the certificate’s invalidity.

The Fair Work Act of 2009 sets out who is considered “immediate family or household member.” This includes:

- A spouse (or former spouse)

- De facto partner (or former de facto partner)

- Child

- Parent

- Grandparent

- Grandchild

- Sibling

- Adoptive relations, or

- Step relations.

It also includes your spouse (former or current) or de facto partner (former or current)’s:

- Child

- Parent

- Grandparent

- Grandchild

- Sibling

- Adoptive relations, or

- Step relations.

Your medical certificate for sick or carer’s leave does not need to include any details of the illness if you’re not comfortable sharing them with your employer. The only mandatory fields are:

- Your name

- The name, registration number and address of the medical practitioner issuing the certificate

- Your relationship with the family member who is unwell (in case of a carer’s certificate)

- The date of consultation and when the certificate was issued

- When you’re expected to be back at work.

Certainly! For many people, taking the time out to visit a doctor just to get a medical certificate is not a possibility. Whether you live in a remote area, are short of time or have limited mobility, it can be a hassle to book an appointment, drive down to the clinic and spend time in the waiting room only for a five-minute consultation. And with an irritable child with a cold or flu, it can get even more strenuous!

Luckily, online healthcare services now offer parents an alternative way of getting a doctor’s certificate. Simply log in to their app or website and select the type of certificate you need (sick leave or carer’s leave). You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire asking for some details of the illness and you may be asked to select a consultation time. Around the time you select, an AHPRA registered doctor will be in touch with you to confirm the details on your questionnaire and once satisfied will be able to issue you your certificate. This certificate may be mailed to you or may be available on the service provider’s app for you to download.

There are many reasons why people choose to get an online doctor’s certificate in Australia. In addition to being highly convenient for those with limited time on their hands, it also helps people save money they would have spent commuting and time spent in the waiting room and in the doctor’s office. These certificates also typically cost much less than a visit to a doctor’s clinic, further helping you save money. Additionally, you can also stay home and protect your sick family member from picking up any illnesses floating around the waiting room when they’re already struggling with a weak immune system.

Finally, by choosing to get your medical certificate for carer’s leave online, you’re also freeing up your doctor’s time and allowing them to care for patients who may require more urgent care.

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