It’s against the law for your employer to discriminate against you (treat you unfairly) because of your caring responsibilities. It’s also illegal to deny you opportunities, intimidate or harass you, or terminate your employment because you are caring for someone with cancer.
If you ask for flexible working arrangements because of your caring duties, your employer must consider your request and respond within 21 days. They can refuse your request on reasonable business grounds only. They must first discuss your request with you and genuinely try to reach an agreement.
Podcast: Cancer Affects the Carer Too
Listen to more episodes from our podcast for people affected by cancer
More resources
Emma Foley, Chair, QPiLOT OT Cancer Collaborative QLD and Senior Cancer Care Occupational Therapist, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, QLD; Jackie Hamilton, Partner, Dentons Australia, QLD. This edition is based on the previous edition, which was reviewed by the following panel: Brooke Russell, Principal Occupational Therapist, WA Cancer Occupational Therapy, WA; Bianca Alessi, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Dr Prunella Blinman, Medical Oncologist, Concord Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, NSW; James Chirgwin, Physiotherapist, The Wesley Hospital, QLD; Danielle Curnoe, Consumer; Simon Gates, Barrister, Tasmanian Bar, TAS; Justin Hargreaves, Medical Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Bendigo Health Cancer Centre, VIC; Kaylene Jacques, Director, People and Communications, Cancer Council NSW; Alex Kelly, Senior People Attraction Advisor, Human Resources, Allianz Australia Insurance, NSW; Legal reviewer; Georgina Lohse, Social Worker, GV Health, VIC; Lesley McQuire, Consumer, Cancer Voices NSW.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
