Compassionate leave does not have to be granted for the period immediately following a close relative’s death. For example, social distancing restrictions due to COVID-19 may mean a member is unable to attend a close relative’s funeral. Compassionate leave may be granted for the member to attend the close relative’s memorial service after the restrictions are lifted.

​​​​​​Example: A member's mother-in-law dies. The member chooses to take three days of leave to travel and attend the funeral. Later in the same financial year the member's sister is very seriously ill. The member may be granted no more than two days of compassionate leave.

Example 1: A member may need to travel to get to a remote area.

Example 2: A member's mother-in-law dies. The member chooses to take three days of leave to travel and attend the funeral. Later in the same financial year the member's sister is very seriously ill. She is in hospital in a remote area. The member is granted seven days of compassionate leave to travel to the sister and be with her.