Understanding Leave Entitlements for Nannies | Pay The Nanny [ ![Pay the nanny logo](https://assets.paythenanny.nz/images/logo-white.png) ](/) [Parents](https://paythenanny.com.au/For-Families) [Nannies](https://paythenanny.com.au/For-Nannies) [Agencies](https://paythenanny.com.au/for-agencies) [Pricing](https://paythenanny.com.au/pricing) [Contact](https://paythenanny.com.au/contact) [Sign Up](https://paythenanny.com.au/signup) [Log In](https://paythenanny.com.au/app/login) Article ------- Understanding Leave Entitlements for Nannies ============================================ By Mark Hudson · 29 September, 2025 When you hire a nanny in Australia, you also take on the role of employer. That means leave entitlements like annual leave, personal leave, and public holidays apply. Here’s a simple guide for families to understand nanny entitlements and stay compliant. ![Understanding Leave Entitlements for Nannies](https://assets.caresies.io/articles/186/conversions/kxo2X3uAcK9ahe0ZMcXn-webp-featured.webp) Understanding Leave Entitlements for Nannies -------------------------------------------- When you employ a nanny in Australia, you step into the role of an employer under the **[Fair Work Act 2009](https://www.fairwork.gov.au/)**. This means your nanny is entitled to the same basic leave conditions as other employees, unless their contract states otherwise (and remains compliant with the law). The key types of leave to be aware of are: - Annual Leave (Holiday Pay) - Personal/Carer’s Leave (Sick Leave) - Public Holidays - Other Leave Types (Parental, Community Service, Unpaid Leave) Annual Leave (Holiday Pay) -------------------------- Full-time nannies are entitled to **four weeks of paid annual leave** for every 12 months of service. For part-time nannies, this is calculated on a **pro-rata basis**, depending on the hours worked each week. Annual leave: - Accrues progressively during the year. - Can be taken at any time with employer approval. - Must be paid at the nanny’s base hourly rate for the ordinary hours they would have worked. Some families also choose to allow their nanny to “cash out” leave (if agreed in writing), but strict rules apply. ==> See Fair Work Ombudsman guidance: [Annual leave](https://www.fairwork.gov.au/leave/annual-leave). Sick Leave and Carer’s Leave ---------------------------- This is officially called **personal/carer’s leave**. A full-time nanny is entitled to **10 days per year**, accrues progressively and carries over each year. This leave covers: - Time off when the nanny is sick or injured. - Time off to care for an immediate family or household member who is ill or requires support. For part-time nannies, this entitlement is pro-rated. If your nanny is absent, you are entitled to ask for **reasonable evidence** such as a medical certificate or statutory declaration. ==> Reference: [Personal/carer’s leave.](https://www.fairwork.gov.au/leave/sick-and-carers-leave) Public Holidays --------------- Nannies are entitled to **a paid day off on a public holiday** if it is a day they would normally work. Key points: - If the nanny would not normally work on that day, no payment applies. - If you require your nanny to work on a public holiday, they are entitled to penalty rates or an agreed alternative day off, depending on the employment agreement. - Public holidays vary by state and territory, so it’s important to check your local calendar. ==> Check state/territory public holidays: [Australian public holidays.](https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/public-holidays) Other Types of Leave -------------------- While less common, your nanny may also be entitled to: - Parental Leave: Unpaid leave if they meet the eligibility criteria. - Community Service Leave: For jury duty or emergency service roles. - Unpaid Leave: By mutual agreement between family and nanny. How to Manage Leave Correctly ----------------------------- Managing leave can feel overwhelming, but with the right systems in place, it becomes straightforward. Families should: 1. Use a written employment agreement that clearly sets out leave entitlements. 2. Keep records of hours worked, leave taken, and payments made, as required under the Fair Work Act. 3. Stay compliant with payroll obligations, including PAYG withholding, superannuation, and leave accruals. 4. Use a payroll service like Pay The Nanny to handle leave accruals and reporting automatically, ensuring compliance with Fair Work and the ATO. Why Compliance Matters ---------------------- Getting leave entitlements wrong can expose families to: - Back-pay claims. - Penalties for breaching employment laws. - Relationship strain with your nanny. By understanding your obligations, you create a fair, transparent, and professional working relationship that benefits everyone. **How Pay The Nanny Can Help** At [Pay The Nanny](https://paythenanny.com.au/For-Families), we specialise in payroll and compliance for families who employ nannies. We handle: - Correct accrual of annual and personal leave. - Public holiday pay calculations. - Superannuation and PAYG compliance. - Clear payslips that show your nanny exactly what they’re entitled to. That way, you can focus on family life while knowing everything is handled correctly. [Get in touch](https://paythenanny.com.au/contact) with us today. [ ![](https://assets.caresies.io/articles/136/conversions/sgrSeK6rN1YhE7bgTWAZ-webp-featured.webp) ](https://paythenanny.com.au/articles/your-guide-to-minimum-awards-in-australia-for-nannys)By Mark Hudson · 02 December, 2021 ### [Your Guide to Modern Awards in Australia for Nannys](https://paythenanny.com.au/articles/your-guide-to-minimum-awards-in-australia-for-nannys) Confused about how much to pay your nanny? Understanding the minimum wage and legal entitlements under the Miscellaneous Award is essential. Here’s your go-to guide for compliant pay rates, overtime, leave, and public holidays—plus how Pay the Nanny can make it all stress-free. [Read more...](https://paythenanny.com.au/articles/your-guide-to-minimum-awards-in-australia-for-nannys) [ ![](https://assets.caresies.io/articles/143/conversions/1SEoZbbhaqpwe5zhtyYp-webp-featured.webp) ](https://paythenanny.com.au/articles/guide-to-the-modern-award-system-for-nannies-in-australia)By Mark Hudson · 19 September, 2024 ### [Guide to the Modern Award System for Nannies in Australia ](https://paythenanny.com.au/articles/guide-to-the-modern-award-system-for-nannies-in-australia) Navigating the Modern Award system can be tricky for parents employing a nanny. In this guide, we'll break down the essentials of the Miscellaneous Award, helping you stay compliant with pay, entitlements, and leave. 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[Read more...](https://paythenanny.com.au/articles/10-requirements-for-hiring-a-nanny-in-australia) [ ![](https://assets.caresies.io/articles/140/conversions/mZYZtiKIvcO6lXygcXsk-webp-featured.webp) ](https://paythenanny.com.au/articles/how-much-does-a-nanny-cost-in-australia)By Mark Hudson · 23 September, 2021 ### [How Much Does a Nanny Cost in Australia?](https://paythenanny.com.au/articles/how-much-does-a-nanny-cost-in-australia) Hiring a nanny in Australia isn’t just about the hourly rate—it’s about PAYG, super, workers comp, leave entitlements, and knowing what’s legal. Whether you're hiring solo or sharing with another family, here’s everything you need to know to stay compliant and budget smart. [Read more...](https://paythenanny.com.au/articles/how-much-does-a-nanny-cost-in-australia) ![Pay the nanny](https://paythenanny.com.au/images/logo-white.png)Join Our Community Stay in the loop! 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