Compassionate Leave Australia Amount 2025: In 2025, Australia has introduced a compassionate leave policy to assist employees during difficult moments, such as when a loved one is very ill or when there is a death in the family. This type of leave, often referred to as bereavement leave, is part of the National Employment Standards (NES) in Australia. It allows you to address family emergencies without the burden of work responsibilities added to your stress.
In this guide, we will look at who is eligible for this leave, how much time off you can expect, payment details, and the steps to apply, ensuring you can utilize compassionate leave when it’s truly needed.
Compassionate Leave Australia Amount 2025
| Details | Summary |
|---|---|
| Eligible Employees | Full-time, part-time, and casual workers. |
| Leave Entitlement | 2 days of compassionate leave per occasion. |
| Leave Structure | Can be taken as a single 2-day period, two separate 1-day periods, or another agreed arrangement. |
| Payment | Paid leave for full-time and part-time employees; unpaid leave for casuals. |
| Required Documentation | Evidence such as a death certificate or medical statement if requested by the employer. |
| Main Resource | Fair Work Ombudsman for official guidelines and additional information. |
In 2025, Australia’s compassionate leave policy is designed to help people during tough times. It offers paid leave for both full-time and part-time employees, while casual workers can take unpaid leave when needed. By knowing who can take leave, how it works, and how to apply, everyone can feel more comfortable dealing with compassionate leave. This support enables employees to step away for family emergencies, fostering a workplace environment that values kindness and understanding.
What Is Compassionate Leave in Australia?
Compassionate leave, sometimes called bereavement leave, is part of Australia’s National Employment Standards. It lets employees take time off for family emergencies, like the death or serious illness of someone close to them. This leave is intended to help people emotionally and practically during hard times, allowing them to focus on what matters without the stress of work.
Every employee under the National Employment Standards can access compassionate leave, whether they are full-time, part-time, or casual. This leave is available for each eligible situation, so if separate qualifying events happen, employees can take leave multiple times throughout the year.
Compassionate Leave Eligibility in Australia for 2025
Who Can Take Leave
Every employee has the right to compassionate leave.
- Full-time and part-time workers can take paid leave based on their regular work hours.
- Casual workers can take leave, but it will be unpaid.
This means that all types of employees have access to this important leave option.
Who Counts as Family
According to the National Employment Standards (NES), immediate family includes:
- Spouse or ex-spouse
- De facto partner or ex-partner
- Parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren
- Siblings
- The immediate family of a spouse or de facto partner, which includes in-laws.
Also, someone who lives with the employee regularly is considered a household member, even if they are not related by blood.
Leave Entitlement and Duration
Compassionate Leave Duration
When it comes to compassionate leave, employees can take up to 2 days for each instance. This leave is intended to help with family duties or during times of loss. Employees have various options for using these 2 days:
- They can take them all at once as a continuous 2-day period.
- They can choose to split them into two separate 1-day leaves.
- They can also create another plan that works for both them and their employer.
There is no yearly limit on compassionate leave, so employees can take as much leave as they need for each qualifying event.
Payment for Compassionate Leave
Types of Leave: Paid and Unpaid
When it comes to compassionate leave, the payment varies based on the type of employment:
- For Full-time and Part-time Workers: They get paid leave equal to their regular pay rate for the hours they would have worked if they weren’t on leave. This doesn’t include extra payments like allowances or bonuses.
- For Casual Workers: They can take unpaid leave but keep their job protection while they are away.
This setup lets employees take necessary time off without the stress of losing their pay, except for casual workers, who still have job security.
Example of Payment Calculation
Imagine a part-time worker who usually puts in 6 hours a day at a rate of $25 per hour and needs to take 2 days off for compassionate leave. Here’s how the payment would be figured out:
- Regular Pay Rate: $25 per hour
- Total Hours: 6 hours per day for 2 days equals 12 hours
- Payment: 12 hours multiplied by $25 equals $300 for the leave.
This example shows that the regular pay rate applies just to the standard working hours.
How to Request Compassionate Leave in Australia in 2025?
Step 1: Let Your Employer Know
It’s important to inform your employer about your need for compassionate leave as soon as you can. Sometimes, though, you might need to notify them after you’ve already started your leave because of the situation’s urgency.
Step 2: Gather Evidence If Necessary
Your employer might ask for some proof, which could include:
- Death certificates
- Medical notes for serious illnesses
- Funeral announcements
Having this information allows your employer to understand your situation better while respecting your privacy.
Step 3: Talk About Your Leave Arrangement
You can discuss how to use the 2-day leave in a way that works for you, as long as you and your employer agree. This could mean taking the days off separately or breaking the hours over a few days if that helps.
Step 4: Get Back to Work or Look into More Leave Options
After your compassionate leave is up, you should plan to return to work. If you find you need a bit more time, you can talk with your employer about using annual leave, personal leave, or even taking unpaid leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Compassionate Leave More Than Once in a Year?
Yes, You can take compassionate leave for each qualifying situation, so feel free to use it whenever you need to.
Is Compassionate Leave Paid for Every Employee?
Only full-time and part-time staff get paid compassionate leave. If you’re a casual worker, your leave will be unpaid.
What Do I Need to Show for Compassionate Leave?
You might need to provide things like a death certificate, a medical certificate, or a funeral notice. This paperwork helps confirm your leave request.
Can My Employer Say No to My Compassionate Leave?
Employers usually can’t refuse compassionate leave if you meet the requirements. However, they may ask for some reasonable proof to support your case.
