Compassionate Leave Policy
This Compassionate Leave Policy can be used to clarify when employees are eligible to take this leave. This Policy also outlines the process for taking this leave, including any notification and evidence requirements.
Last updated October 24, 2025
Suitable for Australia
Create & Customise Legal Templates Online
What is a compassionate leave policy?
What is a compassionate leave policy?
When should you use a compassionate leave policy?
When should you use a compassionate leave policy?
What should be in a compassionate leave policy?
What should be in a compassionate leave policy?
How to create a legal document
- check_circle
Access the Document Library
- check_circle
Select the template that matches your needs
- check_circle
Customise by adding or removing clauses with assistance from Lawpath AI
- check_circle
Personalise with your headers, footers, logos, or additional text
- check_circle
Store all documents securely in your account for easy access
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to take compassionate leave under this policy?
keyboard_arrow_upDoes the policy specify if compassionate leave is paid or unpaid?
keyboard_arrow_upWhat are the notification requirements for taking compassionate leave?
keyboard_arrow_upWhat evidence can be requested to support a compassionate leave application?
keyboard_arrow_upAre casual employees entitled to compassionate leave?
keyboard_arrow_upDoes this policy help meet Fair Work compliance?
keyboard_arrow_upWhat should I check before using this policy?
keyboard_arrow_upView Sample Compassionate Leave Policy
The Legal Risk Score of a Compassionate Leave Policy Template is Low
Our legal team have marked this document as low risk considering:
- The document requires employees to provide evidence to support their request for compassionate leave, but it does not specify what type of evidence is acceptable, which could lead to inconsistencies in how the policy is applied.
- The policy mandates that employees must notify their manager by phone as soon as possible about their intention to take compassionate leave, which could be challenging during emergencies or when immediate communication is not feasible.
- The document ends with a prompt to contact someone for questions about the policy but fails to specify who to contact or how, potentially leaving employees without clear guidance on whom to approach with their concerns.
Meet Our Users
Articles about Compassionate Leave Policy
Compassionate & Bereavement Leave Rights in Australia
Learn about the rights and entitlements you or your employees have in regards to bereavement and compassionate leave.
How Does Compassionate Leave Work?
Compassionate leave occurs when an employee takes paid or unpaid time off to care for someone within their immediate family.
What is Personal/Carer's Leave?
Have you fallen ill and are unsure if you are entitled to take personal/carer's leave? Read our guide to find out how to take personal/carer's leave.
Australia’s Paid Parental Leave Rules
Australian parental leave is paid and unpaid. Find out more about Australia's paid parental leave for mums and dads here.
Mental Health Day Off: Can Employees Take It?
Are you planning to incorporate a mental health day off in your employment policy? Read about it in our latest post.
How to Manage an Employee Who Is Taking Too Much Sick Leave
All employees will have to take sick leave. Read more to see an answers for an employer when an employee takes too much sick leave.
Annual Leave Obligations for Employers (With Calculator)
Everything you need to know about annual leave in Australia, from accrual rates to legal requirements and calculations
Can Employers Request Medical Certificates?
Requesting a medical certificate from a sick employee can be a challenging area to navigate. So when is this legal? Read our guide to find out.
Long-Term Sick Leave: Employee Entitlements
Employees experiencing long term illnesses or injuries are entitled to long term sick leave. How does it work and what should employers know?
Looking for more documents?
Employment Agreement (Casual)
This Employment Agreement (Casual) is suitable for casual employees in any industry. This agreement is essential when hiring new casual employees for your business.
Contractor Agreement (Individual)
The Contractor Agreement (Individual) allows you to hire a contractor that is an individual (ie. not a company).
Shareholders Agreement
A Shareholders Agreement allows you to clarify the relationship between shareholders of your company.
Full Time Employment Agreement
This Full Time Employment Agreement covers everything you need when hiring a new full time employee. It is applicable to any industry in Australia.
Consultancy Agreement (Pro-Supplier)
A Consultancy Agreement (Pro-Supplier) can be used if you provide consultancy services or engage consultancy services from another entity. This version of the Consultancy Agreement is drafted in favour of the supplier, from a commercial and legal perspective.
Website Terms and Conditions of Use (Goods)
This Website Terms And Conditions of Use (Goods) outlines the rules people must follow when using your website. It includes protection for your IP, disclaimers to limit your liability and makes you compliant with Australian law.
Contractor Agreement (Company)
A Contractor Agreement (Company) allows you to engage a contractor that is a company.
Internship Agreement
An Internship Agreement is used when hiring an unpaid intern for your business.