Boss asking you for a sick certificate?
You don’t need to waste your time and money going to the GP or booking a telehealth appointment for runny nose. Statutory declarations are considered evidence (check your workplace agreement first) for sick and carer’s leave, same as a medical certificate, and you can make one online for free in less than five minutes, without having to leave your bed or talk to anyone.
A stat dec is basically a written, legal statement that what you’re saying is true. You used to have to sign it in front of an official witness like a Justice of the Peace, but since 2024 you can do one by yourself through MyGov using your digital ID.
Here’s some wording you can use a template:
I, [your full name] of [your address], make the following declaration under the Statutory Declarations Act 1959:
- I was unfit for work due to illness OR I had to provide care for an immediate family member who was sick/injured/affected by an emergency on [insert dates you took leave]
- I was unable to attend work or perform my normal duties during this time.
- This declaration is made to support my application for personal leave from my employer, [name of your employer or workplace].
It’s important to remember
Lying in a stat dec is a criminal offence, though, so don’t do this if you’re just chucking a sickie.
It’s absolutely important to see a doctor when you have severe or persistent symptoms. But when it’s just a cough leaving you too run down (or likely to spread germs) for work, getting a medical certificate is a waste of your time, HR’s time and the medical system.
Check your Agreement first!
Because some workplace agreements require a medical certificate to access sick/personal leave.
Also remember that:
- Casual workers are entitled to sick leave (it’s just unpaid)
- It’s not on you to find someone to cover your shift
- You can’t be required to ‘make up the hours later’