Fact Sheet
Accessing Special Leave following disaster or emergency events
Information for all staff
Q1
What do I do if my school/workplace is closed?
A1
As per advice from your Principal/Manager, attend another school/government office within the area if
practicable and safe.
Q2
If it is not practical for me to attend another school/Government Office, what do I do?
A2
It may not be practical to attend another school or Government Office because of road closures or worksite
closures. Speak with you Principal/Manager and you may be able to access Discretionary Special Leave for
emergencies or natural disasters for up to 5 days in accordance with the Special Leave Directive: 9/13.
Q3
When can special leave be accessed?
A3
Special leave may be accessed:

If it is not practicable to attend for duty at another school/Government office

If you are absent from your usual place of residence on approved leave or during a weekend and unable
to return in sufficient time to attend the normal place of work

If you are required to return home before your normal ceasing time to ensure personal safety, protection
of family and/or property or transport is disrupted or discontinued because of weather or environmental
conditions

If out of necessity, you have to remain at home to safeguard family or property

If you have to remain at home to have urgent/temporary repairs undertaken, restore belongings, clean up

If you are travelling and unavoidably delayed from arriving at the destination

Other circumstances approved by your Principal/Manager
Q4
How much paid special leave can be approved?
A4
The Principal/Manager may approve paid special leave up to five days.
Q5
Do I have to apply for special leave with pay up to 5 days?
A5
Staff using MyHR Self Service may apply for Special Leave using the “Emergent – Pay” category. Should
access to DET systems be unavailable, there is no requirement to lodge a leave application for special leave
through TSS. For special leave to be approved, this should be recorded on timesheets (where applicable)
and the local work area should ensure they keep a schedule of all staff absences due to the major disaster or
emergency event.
Q6
What if special leave greater than 5 days is required?
A6
The Principal/Manager will refer special leave applications greater than five days to the Regional Director /
Assistant Regional Director for consideration. In exceptional circumstances, where significant numbers of staff
are affected, for example, during floods and cyclones, a coordinated response between Central Office and the
applicable Regions will occur in conjunction with Payroll Services to determine the preferred method of leave
record-keeping.
Q7
If I am on recreation or long service leave, can this be changed to special leave?
A7
In most cases, no, however please discuss with your Principal/Manager.