Stress Leave in Australia: Your Rights & How to Apply
A plain-English guide to taking personal leave for stress — your Fair Work entitlements, what evidence an employer can ask for, and how your privacy is protected.
Stress is a valid reason for paid personal (sick) leave in Australia. Your employer can ask for evidence, and a certificate from an AHPRA-registered GP meets the Fair Work Act standard — without disclosing your diagnosis. Doctors Note Australia issues a confidential, GP-reviewed certificate for $29.95.
Is stress a valid reason for leave?
In Australia, paid personal/carer’s leave (often called sick leave) covers times when you are not fit for work because of illness or injury — and that includes mental health. Stress, anxiety and burnout are valid reasons to take personal leave when they affect your ability to do your job. A confidential mental health certificate from an AHPRA-registered GP can provide the evidence your employer needs.
What evidence can your employer ask for?
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, an employer can ask for “evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person” before approving paid personal leave. A medical certificate from an AHPRA-registered practitioner meets that standard — you don’t need to justify your condition beyond that.
Not sure how many days to request? Read our guide on how long a medical certificate is valid.
Does your employer need to know your diagnosis?
No. A medical certificate confirms that you are unfit for work for specific dates — it does not have to disclose your diagnosis, symptoms or treatment. Your private health information stays private under the Australian Privacy Principles, and a DoctorsNote certificate is worded to protect it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I ask my employer for stress leave?
You request personal leave as you would for any illness — you don’t have to state your diagnosis. If your employer asks for evidence, a certificate from an AHPRA-registered GP is sufficient.
Can my employer refuse stress leave?
An employer can ask for reasonable evidence, but they cannot refuse genuine personal leave that is supported by a valid medical certificate from a registered practitioner.
Will my diagnosis be shared with my employer?
No. The certificate confirms you are unfit for the certified dates without disclosing your diagnosis, symptoms or treatment.
How long can I take?
Your GP certifies the dates appropriate to your situation. Our standard online certificate covers up to 2 consecutive days; longer or ongoing situations are better suited to an in-person GP.
Need a Mental Health Certificate?
Get a confidential, GP-reviewed mental health certificate — your diagnosis stays private. $29.95 flat fee, reviewed within 24 hours if clinically appropriate.
Get a Mental Health Medical Certificate