Leave for cultural or ceremonial purposes

Academic and general/professional staff

Academic and general/professional staff are entitled to up to three days paid leave (which is non cumulative) (this is over and above sick leave, recreation or carer's leave) per calendar year, for the purpose of fulfilling or observing religious, ceremonial or culturally significant days. Academic and general/professional staff are also entitled to leave without pay for a maximum of 10 days. A supervisor may require reasonable evidence in support of leave under this clause.

Where it can be demonstrated that the three days referred to above are not sufficient, an employee may access a further two days from their personal leave entitlement if available.

TAFE teaching staff

TAFE teaching staff can apply for leave for religious or ceremonial purposes where they have a ritual obligation to participate in ceremonial activity or have customary and traditional law obligations. TAFE teaching staff are able to apply for up to three days paid leave and a maximum of ten days leave without pay in any calendar year.

Where it can be demonstrated that the three days referred to above are not sufficient, an employee may access a further two days from their personal leave entitlement if available.

How to apply for cultural or ceremonial leave

  • Fully understand your cultural or religious leave entitlements and options.
  • Discuss your situation and plans confidentially with your supervisor and/or People and Culture (raise a case in Workday).
  • Login to Workday to submit your request, providing supporting documents.

More information

For detailed information on leave entitlements and conditions for different staff categories, please refer to your relevant enterprise agreement:

Please note the 'provisions/entitlements' above do not apply to casual or sessional staff members.