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Understanding your rights: what employers can request in a medical certificate and what they cannot demand.
Employers can request evidence when you take sick leave, but there are limits. This guide explains what they can ask for, what you're required to provide, and your privacy rights.
Under the Fair Work Act, employers can request evidence that you were unfit for work. A medical certificate from a registered practitioner is sufficient. It typically needs to state the dates you were unfit — it does NOT need to disclose your diagnosis.
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Employers cannot demand to know your specific diagnosis, require you to see a particular doctor, or ask for more than reasonable evidence. They cannot require a certificate for every single day of absence if you have one covering the period.
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If you believe your employer is unreasonably demanding private medical information or refusing your valid certificate, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice. Your union (if you have one) can also help.
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Generally no, if it's from a registered doctor and covers the relevant dates. They can't reject it because it's from telehealth.
No. You only need to provide a certificate stating you were unfit. The certificate doesn't need to specify your condition.
Employers can have policies requiring certificates from the first day. Check your employment contract or workplace policy.
From $19.95 · Valid for all employers
Get a medical certificateThis information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health. Content on this page has been reviewed by AHPRA-registered Australian doctors but does not replace a personalised medical consultation.