New South Wales, Australia
Complete guide to NSW employee leave entitlements under National Employment Standards including 4 weeks annual leave, personal leave, and parental leave.
20
Annual leave
10
Public holidays
state
Location type
2025-01-15
Reviewed
Legal framework
Primary legislation
Governing body
Last updated
Official source
Entitlements overview
Annual leave
Statutory entitlement: 20
Calculation: 4 weeks per year for full-time employees
Pro-rata: Pro-rata for part-time based on ordinary hours
Carryover: Can accumulate over years. Employers can direct taking excessive leave.
Sick leave
Statutory: Yes
Paid days: 10
Statutory pay: Base pay rate
Eligibility: All permanent employees
Parental leave
Maternity: 12 months unpaid + option to request 12 more
Paternity: 12 months unpaid (can be concurrent or separate)
Shared leave: 12 months per parent (with concurrency limits)
Additional leave and compliance
Other leave types
Personal/Carer's Leave: 10 days per year (paid)
Compassionate Leave: 2 days per occasion (paid)
Family and Domestic Violence Leave: 10 days per year (paid)
Community Service Leave: Reasonable time (unpaid)
Long Service Leave: 2 months after 10 years (paid)
Record keeping and notice
Records: Maintain records for 7 years
Penalties: Significant penalties under Fair Work Act
Public holiday sample
New Year's Day: 2025-01-01
Australia Day: 2025-01-27
Good Friday: 2025-04-18
Easter Saturday: 2025-04-19
Easter Monday: 2025-04-21
Anzac Day: 2025-04-25
Frequently asked questions
How much annual leave do Australian employees get?
Full-time employees get 4 weeks (20 days) of paid annual leave per year. Shift workers may get 5 weeks. Leave accumulates and can be carried forward.
What is personal/carer's leave?
Personal/carer's leave is 10 days per year for your own illness/injury or to care for an immediate family member. It accumulates year to year.
Related policy guides
Victoria, Australia
Complete guide to Victoria employee leave entitlements under National Employment Standards and Victorian long service leave.
Queensland, Australia
Complete guide to Queensland employee leave entitlements under National Employment Standards.
New Zealand
Complete guide to NZ employee leave entitlements including 4 weeks annual leave, 10 sick days, and 26 weeks paid parental leave.