Cultural leave

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What is cultural leave?
Cultural leave entitlement
When you can take cultural leave
Employer considerations

What is cultural leave?

People who are required by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island tradition or custom to attend a ceremony can apply for cultural leave. Cultural leave came into effect 1 April 2005.

Cultural leave entitlement

If an employer agrees, an employee may take up to 5 days unpaid cultural leave in each year.

When you can take cultural leave

Before taking leave, an employee must give their employer reasonable notice of their intention to take cultural leave. An employee must advise their employer:

the reason for taking the leave, and
the estimated absence.

If it is not practical for an employee to give notice before taking leave, an employee must give their employer notice of:

the reasons, and
period at the first opportunity

Employer considerations

An employer must not unreasonably refuse to grant leave.

An employer must consider:

the employer’s capacity to reorganise work arrangements to accommodate the employee’s request;
the impact of the employee’s absence on the delivery of customer service; and the particular circumstances of the employee and
the impact of refusal on the employee including the employee’s ability to balance his or her work and family responsibilities.

Last updated: 11 June 2008