Categories of leave
There are five categories of leave that you can apply for.
Category 1 – Leave from the program
Category 1 leave includes leave entitled by law, such as sick leave and carer’s leave (over the limits listed above), parental leave and other types of leave, for example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander additional cultural leave.
When applying for Category 1 leave, you’ll need to provide valid certificates, where appropriate. Applications will then be considered by the regional team, including the regional lead ME. If you need to apply for more than 12 months leave, a return-to-work process will be put in place to help you settle back into the training program and your placement.
As you’re entitled to this leave by law, it won’t affect your training time cap. You can also start your training program on Category 1 leave.
Category 2 – Additional leave from the program
Category 2 leave is available for situations such as when you need to take additional leave for personal reasons; if we are unable to match you to an appropriate training site and all alternative options have been exhausted; when transferring between training regions; or if you need to take leave for reasons not included under Category 1 leave.
You can apply for a maximum of 26 weeks of leave in addition to what is available under Category 1 leave, or up to 52 weeks if there are extenuating and unforeseen circumstances. You can’t start your training program on Category 2 leave.
Applications are considered by the regional team, including the regional lead ME.
It’s important to note that Category 2 leave is included in your training time cap. The regional team will consider if you have enough time remaining in your time cap before approving the leave.
Category 3 – Australian Defence Force (ADF) service leave
This leave is unlikely to apply to FSP Registrars.
Category 4 – Deferral of commencement of training
Category 4 leave relates to deferral of commencement of the FSP, due to extenuating and unforeseen circumstances, or if a Medicare provider number is not issued in time for your commencement of training. You may apply to defer commencement of training for up to 26 calendar weeks initially, and then apply for a further 26 calendar weeks in the case of extenuating and unforeseen circumstances.
Category 5 – Special emergency leave
Special emergency leave is at the discretion of the RACGP. We will contact you should you be eligible.