How to resign in Australia: notice and resignation letter

Landing a new job is exciting, but you still need to leave your current one properly. How you resign affects your final pay, your relationship with your manager and, often, your next reference. Here is how to do it the right way in Australia.

Step 1: check how much notice you need to give

In Australia, the notice an employee must give when resigning is usually set by the modern award, the enterprise agreement or the employment contract that covers you. Read your contract first, then check your award or agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman has a free tool on fairwork.gov.au to help you find the award that applies to your job.

According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, an employment contract can't give you less than the minimum set by the National Employment Standards (NES), your award or your agreement. If several documents apply and you are unsure, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman before you hand in your notice.

How the notice period is counted

According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, a notice period starts the day after notice is given and ends on the last day of employment. Plan your start date at the new job around this, and avoid promising a start date before you have checked your obligations.

Step 2: tell your manager in person first

Before you send anything in writing, ask your manager for a short private conversation, in person or by video call. Thank them, explain that you have accepted another role and confirm your planned last day. You don't have to give detailed reasons, and you don't need to say who your new employer is if you prefer not to.

If your manager makes a counteroffer, think about why you wanted to leave in the first place. A pay rise rarely fixes problems with workload, culture or career growth.

Step 3: write a short resignation letter

Even when your award or contract doesn't require it, a written resignation gives both sides a clear record of the date notice was given and your last day. Keep it brief, positive and factual.

• The date of the letter and your manager's name.
• A clear statement that you are resigning from your position (include the job title).
• Your intended last day of work, in line with your notice period.
• A short thank you for the opportunity.
• An offer to help with the handover.

Email the letter to your manager and keep a copy, or hand over a signed printed copy if that is the custom in your workplace.

Step 4: understand what you'll be paid

Your final pay should include any outstanding wages for hours worked. Under the NES, unused annual leave is paid out when employment ends. Other entitlements, such as long service leave, depend on state or territory laws and your award or agreement, so check them before your last day. If something seems missing from your final pay, raise it with payroll first, then with the Fair Work Ombudsman if needed.

Step 5: leave on good terms

Australian employers often call referees before making an offer, so your current manager may be a referee for years to come. Use your notice period well:

• Write handover notes for your main tasks, contacts and deadlines.
• Finish or clearly pass on any work in progress.
• Return equipment such as laptops, keys and access cards.
• Say goodbye to colleagues and connect on LinkedIn.
• Ask your manager whether they would be happy to be a referee. See our guide to referees on a resume.

Update your resume while it's fresh

Before you forget the details, add your latest achievements, projects and figures to your resume. Even if you have a new job lined up, an up to date resume is easier to maintain than one you rebuild from scratch. You can update it for free with our resume builder.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Your exact obligations depend on your award, agreement and contract.