5.3.1 Purpose
5.3.2 Member this Part applies to
In the total workforce system, a member of the Permanent Forces is described as a member in Service category 6 or 7.
In the total workforce system, a member of the Reserves rendering continuous full-time service may be described as a member in Service category 3, 4 or 5 on Service option C.
In the total workforce system, a member of the Reserves is described as a member in Service category 3, 4 or 5.
In the total workforce system, a member of the Reserves who is rendering service which is not continuous full-time service, is described as a member in Service category 3, 4 or 5 on Reserve service.
5.3.2A Member this Part does not apply to
5.3.3 How to apply for a medical absence
1. The approved form is PMKeYS.
2. If PMKeYS is not available the member may apply using form AF088 - Application for leave
3. An absence of more than three days should only be approved with the recommendation of a Defence health professional.
Telephone health advice for sick members
Defence members who become ill or injured after hours or are not in the close proximity to an On-base health facility can call 1800 467 425 (1800 IMSICK) for assistance. 1800 IMSICK is a national 24 hour call service providing nurse triage and health support for entitled ADF members. This service is provided by Medibank Health Solutions under the ADF Health Services Contract.
5.3.4 Medical absence without recommendation from a health professional
Example: The member has been granted on day off by their supervisor without seeing a medical practitioner. The member then contacts the supervisor and tells them that the condition has deteriorated and they need another day off. The supervisor directs the member to see a health professional. The direction makes sure that the member has access to health advice to help them manage any health risks.
5.3.5 Medical absence on recommendation from a health professional
Example: A member who is considered at risk by a Defence medical officer has the requirement for a carer documented in their crisis management plan. In the carer's absence the member stays in hospital. The supervisor grants the medical absence conditional on the member following this care plan.
5.3.6 Refusal to grant a medical absence
Example: The member is recovering from a knee injury and so cannot perform their normal parachute duty and a health professional has recommended they not perform parachute duty. The health professional certifies that the member is able to perform office duties while they recover.
Example: A member taking part in a multinational exercise as the member is recovering from a knee injury and so cannot perform their normal parachute duty. A health professional recommends a period of medical absence, however the supervisor considers that the while member is recovering they can perform administrative duties which are critical to the exercise outcomes. The supervisor consults with a health professional to seek agreement that the member is able to perform office duties. The health professional does not agree that the member is able to perform alternative duties. The supervisor performs a written risk assessment, and decides that any risk of further injury to the member is mitigated. The supervisor refuses to approve the medical absence and tasks the member to carry out administrative duties only.
1. The Commanding Officer may provide a copy of the risk assessment to the Senior Medical Adviser at the regional Defence Health Facility. Information drawn from the assessment may be used at the officer level across Defence to minimise or eliminate risk, consistent with the notes on disclosure of personal information above.
2. Supervisors and Commanding Officers must be aware of their responsibilities to act in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, including the potential for personal liability should a decision not to follow the advice of a health professional lead to further illness, injury, aggravation of injury, medical complication or death.
5.3.7 Granting a medical absence without an application form
5.3.9 Payment of salary and allowances on a medical absence
Example: Rent allowance continues to be payable to a member of the Permanent Forces who has been living in a rented house and benefitting from regular rent allowance.
5.3.10 Interaction between medical absence and other forms of leave
Example: The member attends for treatment at an ADF health facility during a period of maternity leave. The member receives the required treatment but it does not interrupt the maternity leave, or any arrangements the member has made to use recreation leave credits to extend the period of payment they are eligible for during the maternity leave.
5.3.11 Travel for medical purposes
The travel is normally organised by the member's unit.
Example: The member has limited mobility and cannot manage the stairs in their living-in accommodation. Travel costs are approved under section 9.2.25 for the member's journey to temporary accommodation that has no stairs while the member recovers.
