Common questions & scenarios
- Can my carer’s leave be refused? No, provided the purpose fits the NES, you have (or are using unpaid carer’s leave where eligible), and you meet notice/evidence requirements.
- Caring for a cousin who lives with me? Yes — household members are covered.
- Caring for a friend who doesn’t live with me? No to paid carer’s leave under the NES (unless they are a de facto partner). You may request annual leave or other arrangements.
- Pets? No — the NES entitlement does not extend to pets.
- Family & domestic violence (FDV) leave on payslip as personal leave? FDV leave must be kept confidential. If it was incorrectly deducted from personal leave, ask for it to be corrected.
- Public holiday during personal/carer’s leave? You are taken not to be on personal leave for the public holiday and should receive the public holiday benefit.
- Balance looks wrong / underpayment? Raise it with payroll, request an audit and records. See our “Underpayments” topic for next steps.