Part 1: Overview

5.1.1    Purpose
5.1.2    Leave – overview
5.1.3    Leave types
5.1.4    Illness or convalescence ('sick leave') (This clause is policy guidance)

5.1.1    Purpose

 

This Part gives a general outline of leave for ADF members and describes the various kinds of leave available.

5.1.2    Leave – overview

1.

Each type of leave has conditions that accompany it, and these are described later in this Chapter.

2.

Some leave accrues to a member in return for performing eligible service. Once earned it must be credited to the member, and cannot be removed by the ADF unless this Chapter allows for it. Members may apply for leave at any time, and approving authorities may grant or refuse it. On ceasing continuous full-time service, some leave types provide that any leave not taken (that has not lapsed) will be paid out.

Examples: Basic recreation leave, long service leave.

3.

Other leave types only apply when the member meets some qualifying criteria. A member who meets the criteria may be granted the leave, but may also be refused. If refused, there is no right to take it at a later time. A later application will be assessed on its merits.

Examples: Leave without pay, compassionate leave.

Exception: Maternity leave is the only form of leave that cannot be refused.

4.

Other forms of absence are not an entitlement. They do not accrue and are granted solely at management discretion.

Examples: Examination leave, short absence following long or unusual duty.

5.

Administration of leave is covered by Annex 5.1.A. This Annex is a copy of Defence Instruction (General) Administration 60-2, Defence leave administration – policy and management, which is binding on all ADF members. This table shows where in Annex 5.1.A these matters can be found. (This subclause is policy guidance)

 

Issue

Reference

Responsibilities of members

Paragraphs 7-10

Approval and decision-making

Paragraphs 20-21

Recording

Paragraphs 22-25

Personal accountability

Paragraphs 46-48

5.1.3    Leave types

1.

Key features of the major ADF leave types are set out in this table.

2.

This table is a summary. For full details of each condition see the relevant part of this Chapter.


 

Item

Leave type

Purpose

Accrues

Comments

1.

Additional recreation leave for non-warlike service

 

See: Chapter 17 Part 9 Division 5

To enable a member to obtain relief from military and environmental hazards in an operational area.

 

Y

 

2.

Additional recreation leave – remote location

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 2 Division 3 clause 5.2.16

To compensate members for the effects of service over time in a remote location.

Y

It is automatically credited during eligible service.

3.

Additional recreation leave – sea, field and flying duty (ARL)

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 2 Division 3

To compensate members for the effects of service over time in certain situations. These are under a continuous full-time shipboard routine, in the field and in military flying and flight duties.

 

Y

The leave is linked to payment of an associated disability allowance.

4.

Additional recreation leave for training ('trainee leave')

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 2 Division 5

Additional recreation leave for training is for a member who must take a break from a course and who does not have enough recreation leave credit to cover the absence.

N

This form of leave was formerly referred to as trainee leave.

5.

Basic recreation leave (BRL)

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 2 Division 2

Recreation leave allows a member time to rest for a substantial period each year or to attend to personal matters. A period of leave should help them remain efficient and effective in their duties.

Y

It is automatically credited to members.

 

6.

Compassionate leave

See: Chapter 5 Part 7 Division 2

To deal with the death, very serious illness or serious illness of a close relative.

N

It is granted at management discretion.

6A.

Carer's leave

See: Chapter 5 Part 7 Division 2A

To allow the member to provide direct care and support to a dependant who is sick

To allow the member to provide direct care and support to a dependant who cannot be cared for because of another dependant's sickness.

N

It is granted at management discretion.

7.

Examination leave

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 7 Division 4

To attend examinations connected with a course of study for which the member is given Commonwealth financial assistance for the payment of fees.

N

It is granted on occurrence.


 

Item

Leave type

Purpose

Accrues

Comments

8.

Extra recreation leave (ERL)

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 2 Division 4

To give a member time for rest after they perform arduous or prolonged hours of duty.

Y

It is credited at management discretion.

9.

Field leave

Flying leave

 

See: Additional recreation leave – sea, field and flying duty (ARL) – item 3

-

-

-

10.

Leave without pay

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 8

To provide for absence from duty where no other leave entitlement is sufficient or appropriate, in circumstances where the member wishes to continue to serve in the Defence Force.

N

It is granted at management discretion. It is generally regarded as leave of last resort.

11.

Long service leave

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 3

To provide members who have served for 10 years or more with the opportunity for an extended period away from work. Some previous service may count towards this.

Y

Long service leave is automatically credited to members. It is a seven-day-week leave type. It is granted for a continuous period of calendar days, including weekends and public holidays.

12.

Maternity leave

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 4

The leave recognises the physical aspects of the later stages of pregnancy, childbirth and recovery after childbirth. It also provides time for initial care of the child.

N

Maternity leave consists of paid and unpaid leave. An application cannot be refused for any reason. New members may not have access to the paid leave component. The leave includes a period of required absence.

13.

Parental leave

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 5

To assist members and their dependants to spend time with their newborn or adopted dependent child.

N

 

14.

Part-time leave without pay

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 8 Division 2

To allow members to serve part-time in the Permanent Forces for a period, to meet family, study or other personal commitments.

N

It is equivalent to part-time work in civilian employment.

15.

Pre-deployment leave

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 7 Division 6

To enable members proceeding on duty to prescribed areas overseas for at least six months to finalise their personal affairs and make their farewells immediately before their departure from Australia.

N

It is granted subject to operational requirements. Time limits apply.


 

Item

Leave type

Purpose

Accrues

Comments

16.

Remote location leave

 

See: Additional recreation leave – remote location – item 2

-

-

-

17.

Seagoing leave

 

See: Additional recreation leave – sea, field and flying duty (ARL) – item 3

-

-

-

18.

Short absence

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 9 Division 1

To rest and recover. To attend to urgent personal circumstances that a member would not be able to deal with in some other way because of Service requirements. This is if no other leave is available.

N

It is granted at commanders' discretion. It is not a formal leave type and does not accrue.

19.

Short absence for removal purposes

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 9 Division 2

To enable members to complete the variety of tasks associated with a removal.

N

It is granted at commanders' discretion. It is not a formal leave type and does not accrue.

20.

Short absence when not required for duty

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 9 Division 3

To technically cover absence when a member is not required for duty. This includes nights, weekends and stand-down hours.

N

It is granted at commanders' discretion. It is not a formal leave type and does not accrue.

21.

Short leave

 

See: Short absence

-

-

-

22.

...

 

 

 

23.

Special leave for private purposes

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 7 Division 3

To provide the specified members with a period of leave equal to a period of recreation leave credits that have expired.

N

It applies to the CDF, VCDF and Service Chiefs only.

24.

Trainee leave

 

See: Additional recreation leave for training ('trainee leave') – item 4

-

-

-

25.

Travelling leave

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 7 Division 5

To enable eligible members to spend all the leave period granted at the leave destination, regardless of location.

N

It is granted on occurrence.

26.

War service leave

 

See: Chapter 5 Part 6

To provide an additional leave entitlement for members who were on warlike service, to allow them to adjust back to living in Australia and rest from the rigours of warlike service.

Y

War service leave is intended to be taken on return to Australia from warlike service. It must be taken before recreation leave.

5.1.4    Illness or convalescence ('sick leave') (This clause is policy guidance)

1.

Sick leave or convalescence leave is granted to ADF personnel by commanders based on health personnel advice. There is no limit to the amount of leave available, and each case is treated on its merits. If members are on leave due to illness or injury for more than 28 days, their employment category will be reviewed. In some cases they may be medically discharged, depending on the extent of their incapacity and their capacity for rehabilitation.

2.

The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Scheme (MRCS) also helps members deal with the effects of illness or injury related to ADF service.

See:
Joint Health Command DEFWEB site
MRCS Internet site (DVA)

 

PACMAN                                                         AL8 (June 2011)                                                  Chapter 5 – Part 1 – 1