QTAD Q&A

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 2, 2 April 2026, page no 30.

I’m a new permanently appointed teacher – can I take sick leave?

As provided in Schedule One of the Queensland Public Service Directive 09/24 on sick leave, newly appointed officers who are absent from duty because of illness and who have not accumulated the necessary sick leave on full salary may have up to 10 working days sick leave on full salary advanced to them in their first year of service. 

Teachers permanently appointed prior to 1 January were automatically advanced 10 days sick leave. Due to the advance of 12 months sick leave entitlement, sick leave will not accrue for the first 12 months of permanent service.
Teachers permanently appointed on or after 1 January are not automatically advanced 10 days sick leave. If these employees exhaust their sick leave balance within the first 12 months of permanent service, they are eligible to apply for an advance of sick leave to cover a shortfall of up to 10 days, less any sick leave they have accrued since being permanently appointed.

To apply for a sick leave advance, please complete a sick leave advance application form. You can access this form on the Service Catalogue Online.

When do I need a medical certificate? 

A medical certificate or suitable documentation is required for sick leave of more than three working days’ duration. 
Public holidays, weekends, or non-rostered days (if working part-time) are not deemed working days. 

Sufficient evidence may be requested at any time if an employee is being monitored for performance, conduct, or attendance purposes. 

It is not appropriate for schools to develop their own policy regarding sick leave and when medical certificates are required.