Common use of DEFENCE SERVICE SICK LEAVE Clause in Contracts

DEFENCE SERVICE SICK LEAVE. An employee is eligible for defence service sick leave credits when the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has certified that an employee’s medical condition is as a result of either: war like service; or non-war like service. An eligible employee can get 2 types of credits: an initial credit of 9 weeks (45 days) defence service sick leave (pro- rata for part-time employees) will apply as at the following dates, whichever is later: they start employment with the APS; or DVA certifies the condition; and an annual credit of 3 weeks (15 days) defence service sick leave (pro- rata for part-time employees). An employee can use their defence service sick leave when a recognised medical practitioner provides a certificate that says they were away due to their DVA certified medical condition. Unused annual credits can be built up to 9 weeks. An employee cannot use annual credits until the initial credit is exhausted. Defence service sick leave is paid and counts as service for all purposes. Where an employee's Defence service sick leave credits have been exhausted, personal leave provisions will apply.