Do I Need a Sick Note for One Day Off Work in Australia?

Do You Need a Sick Note for One Day Off Work in Australia?

What the Fair Work Act Says About Evidence

Under the Fair Work Act 2009, employees are entitled to paid personal/carer’s leave when they are unable to work because of illness or injury. However, the Act also allows an employer to ask for “reasonable evidence” that the leave was genuinely taken for that reason. Importantly, this right to request evidence can apply even for a single day’s absence.

The Act does not set a fixed number of days after which evidence becomes necessary. Instead, it gives employers the ability to ask for evidence that “would satisfy a reasonable person” that the leave was legitimate. A medical certificate from a registered doctor is one common form of this evidence, alongside a statutory declaration in some circumstances.

What Counts as “Reasonable” Evidence?

Because the legislation uses the word “reasonable” rather than listing strict requirements, what is acceptable varies. Several factors influence this:

• Your modern award or enterprise agreement – many contain specific clauses about when and what evidence is required.
• Your workplace policy – employers often set out their own rules in employment contracts, staff handbooks or leave policies.
• The nature of the absence – a single day may be treated differently from a longer or repeated absence.

Some workplaces only ask for a medical certificate after two or more consecutive days off, while others may request evidence for any sick day. Because practices differ so widely, it is worth checking your own arrangements before assuming you do or do not need a certificate for one day.

When Employers Commonly Ask for a Certificate

In practice, many Australian employers adopt a policy of requesting evidence for absences of two or more consecutive days, and accept a self-declaration or verbal notice for a single day. Others, particularly in roles involving rosters, safety-critical work or patterns of absence around weekends and public holidays, may request a certificate for any day taken.

If you are unsure, the most reliable approach is to:

• Read your employment contract and any workplace leave policy.
• Check the relevant clause in your modern award or enterprise agreement (available through the Fair Work Ombudsman or Fair Work Commission).
• Ask your manager or HR contact what evidence is expected.

What Is a Sick Note and How Do You Get One?

A sick note – more formally a medical certificate – is a document from a registered health practitioner confirming that, in their professional judgement, you were unfit for work on a particular day or days. A certificate issued by an Australian registered doctor can be used as evidence to support leave under the Fair Work Act 2009, with acceptance determined by your employer.

Traditionally, you would obtain one by attending a GP clinic in person. Today, many people use online telehealth services, where a doctor reviews your information and issues a certificate if it is clinically appropriate. This can be convenient when you are unwell and would prefer not to travel or sit in a waiting room.

It is worth being aware that doctors issue certificates only when satisfied it is clinically appropriate to do so, in line with Medical Board of Australia, AHPRA and RACGP guidance. A certificate is not something that can be backdated, and a request that is not clinically supported will not be granted.

Key Takeaways

• An employer can ask for reasonable evidence even for a single day off.
• Whether you need a certificate depends on your award, agreement and workplace policy.
• Some workplaces only require evidence after two or more consecutive days.
• A sick note from a registered doctor is a common form of evidence.

DoctorsNote provides GP-reviewed medical certificates issued by an Australian registered doctor, reviewed by Dr Rupinder Singh Walia (FRACGP), typically within 24 hours and only when clinically appropriate. Each certificate carries a QR code and reference number that can be verified online, and pricing is $14.95 flat, up to 2 days leave. You can learn more on our online sick note page.