Absence from Work Certificates
Overview
All pharmacists here at The Pharmacy Network can provide an Absence from Work certificate for a person who has an acute, minor illness, or a carer’s certificate for a person who needs to take time off work to care for an unwell immediate family member.
Bookings are not required for this service; walk-ins are welcome, making this a convenient option if you’re looking for a same-day Absence from Work Certificate. You can attend any of our three locations — The Pharmacy on Bunda, The Pharmacy on Franklin, and The Pharmacy on Northbourne.
Requirements
This service can only be provided face-to-face. The person who will be absent from work — and, for a carer’s certificate, the person who is unwell — must attend the pharmacy in person.
A valid government-issued photo ID is required to confirm identity.
Service Restrictions
Pharmacists can only provide Absence from Work Certificates for absence from work. We cannot provide certificates stating that a person is unfit for school, exams, or other non-work-related circumstances.
Pharmacists cannot perform Fitness-For-Work assessments or certify that a person is fit to attend work, school, or other engagements.
Absence from Work Certificates cannot be backdated or forward-dated and can only be issued for a maximum of 2 days at the pharmacist’s discretion.
Pharmacists can only provide Absence from Work Certificates for acute, minor illnesses. Complex or chronic health conditions must be assessed by a GP.
What is a Pharmacy Absence from Work Certificate?
A pharmacy Absence from Work Certificate is issued by a qualified pharmacist following a clinical assessment. It confirms that you are unfit for work or study for a short period due to illness or injury. These certificates are commonly used for conditions such as colds, flu, gastro, migraines, minor infections, and other short-term health issues.
Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals who can assess symptoms, provide treatment advice, and determine whether an Absence from Work Certificate is appropriate.
Pharmacy-issued Absence from Work Certificates offer a fast, same-day option when you need documentation but can’t access your GP in time.
How Our Pharmacists Can Help
During your consultation, the pharmacist will:
- Discuss your symptoms and how they’re affecting you
- Assess whether an Absence from Work Certificate is clinically appropriate
- Provide advice on symptom management and recovery
- Recommend over-the-counter treatments where suitable
- Refer you to a GP or other healthcare provider if needed
This service can only be provided face-to-face, in accordance with professional practice standards set by the Pharmacy Board of Australia. The person who will be absent from work — and, for a carer’s certificate, the person who is unwell — must attend the pharmacy in person.
Absence from Work Certificates at The Pharmacy Network are designed to be fast, accessible, and supportive, helping you get the care and documentation you need in one visit.
Who Is This Service Suitable For?
Absence from Work Certificates from a pharmacy may be suitable if you:
- Are unwell and need a short period off work
- Can’t access a GP appointment quickly
- Have a minor illness that doesn’t require medical investigation
- Are looking for a convenient, same-day Absence from Work Certificate
Conditions and eligibility apply.
Certificates cannot be backdated or forward dated; Pharmacists can only provide a certificate for the day that you are attending the pharmacy, and the following day if clinically appropriate. Certificates cannot be issued for a period of more than 2 days.
What to Expect in the Pharmacy
Consultations at our Pharmacy Network pharmacies are conducted discreetly, with respect for your privacy, consistent with the Pharmacy Board of Australia Code of Conduct. Our pharmacist will ask a small number of clinical questions to understand your situation and ensure the certificate is appropriate. Where possible, we aim to keep the process quick and efficient while still providing thorough care.
If your symptoms suggest a more serious condition or require medical investigation, our pharmacist will explain this and recommend seeing a GP.
When Referral Is Needed
Pharmacists cannot issue Absence from Work Certificates for long-term conditions, complex illness, or where further assessment is required, as these fall outside the pharmacist scope of practice. Complex or chronic health conditions must be assessed by a GP.
Pharmacists are unable to provide certificates for purposes other than absence from work — such as stating you are unfit for school, university, or exams — and will need to refer you to a GP, consistent with Fair Work Act requirements.
Pharmacists cannot perform Fitness-For-Work assessments or certify fitness to attend work or other engagements as this sits outside the pharmacist scope of practice per the Pharmacy Board of Australia and PSA Professional Practice Standards. In these cases, we will help guide you to the appropriate next step in care.
A Simple, Local Option
If you’re searching for a fast, same-day Absence from Work Certificate, the pharmacists here at The Pharmacy Network are here to help.
Visit us at The Pharmacy on Bunda, The Pharmacy on Northbourne, or The Pharmacy on Franklin for convenient, professional support when you need it most.
References
Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) – requirements for evidence of absence from work due to illness or caring responsibilities
https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2009A00028
Pharmacy Board of Australia – Code of Conduct (Ahpra)
https://www.pharmacyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines.aspx
Pharmacy Board of Australia – Scope of Practice and Professional Standards
https://www.pharmacyboard.gov.au/Professional-standards.aspx
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) – Professional Practice Standards
https://www.psa.org.au/practice-guidance/professional-practice-standards/
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) – regulatory framework for pharmacist practice
https://www.ahpra.gov.au