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
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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?
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Frequently asked questions
What is a compassionate leave policy?
keyboard_arrow_upWhen should you use a compassionate leave policy?
keyboard_arrow_upWhat should be in a compassionate leave policy?
keyboard_arrow_upWho 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.
Articles about Compassionate Leave Policy
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.
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 to Build a Culture of Empathy: 5 Wellbeing Leave Options to Consider
Discover 5 essential wellbeing leave options that boost productivity, strengthen culture, and position your organisation as an employer of choice.
9 months On, 2 weeks Off
Read about Marissa Mayer's plans for her pregnancy and the maternal leave policies at Yahoo and Netflix which give future mothers more freedom.
Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave: Australia's New Laws
The New Australian Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave laws: Find out what they are and how they affect you by reading this article.
Can An Employee Be Terminated While on Sick Leave?
Can an employee be terminated while on sick leave? Read this article to find out when employers can do this.
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.
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.
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