QTAD Q&A

We have been told by our BSM that when providing a medical certificate for sick leave it needs to state the nature of the medical condition. What if it’s personal?

The provisions that apply are those in the public service sick leave directive: https://www.forgov.qld.gov.au/system/files/documents/2016-4-sick-leave.pdf
The directive does not require specification of the nature of an illness and it has not been practice to require this.

Should I be expected to plan lessons if I am on sick leave?

While there is no firm DET policy on this matter, the Union believes each case of teacher absence needs to be considered on its merits. Members should be encouraged to submit planning whenever possible, but should also know there are exceptions to the rule, e.g. when a teacher is very ill or caring for a family member who is very ill.

It would be reasonable to expect planning where there is a planned absence. The length of (planned) absence should determine the detail of planning that is provided.

I am currently on half-pay long service leave for the remainder of the year. I have recently broken my ankle which requires surgery. Can I change long service leave to sick leave?

In accordance with the public service sick leave directive, you can apply for sick leave while on long service leave, subject to the following provisions:

  • the period of illness is more than three working days 
  • a medical certificate is provided. 

It should be noted that if you are on long service leave at half-pay, then the sick leave shall also be at half-pay, and will be deducted at the rate of two and a half hours for each day.

Can the principal direct me to attend a meeting or professional development during my NCT? 

The award entitlement to non-contact time may be used for the preparation, planning and correction of class activities. During non-contact time, teachers make decisions regarding what tasks they will complete during this period (2.2.3 Certified Agreement 2016).

Award entitlement to NCT is 210 minutes per week for secondary teachers (full-time) and 120 minutes per week for primary school teachers (full-time).

The principal may decide how teachers use NCT when teachers receive an over-allocation, i.e. above-award entitlement. (Reference: 2.2.6 Certified Agreement 2016).

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 122 No 5, 21 July 2017, p22