CVEmber

Resignation letter template for Australia

Your award, enterprise agreement or contract sets your notice, one to four weeks by length of service. Most awards require final pay within 7 days; this resignation letter template Australia employers accept asks for it, with unused annual leave and a statement of service.

Free · no login · download as PDF · Updated 28 September 2026

By Rajesh Kumar · How these pages are made

Include

Check your contract. Your award, enterprise agreement or contract sets how much notice you give, usually one to four weeks. Unused annual leave is paid out in your final pay.

Your letter is written as you type, on this device. Nothing is sent.

Free · unlimited · no account needed

Your letter appears here as you type

Add your name, job title, company and last working day. The letter states your last working day, respects your notice period and asks for what you need when you leave: the things HR looks for.

Sample letter

Written by the form above for a made-up person. Fill in the form to write yours.

Sample: Australia, formal, 4 weeks notice

26 September 2026

Sophie Nguyen
Northwind Pty Ltd

Dear Sophie,

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the position of Senior Analyst at Northwind Pty Ltd. I have accepted an opportunity that fits closely with my long-term career goals. In line with my notice period of four weeks, my last working day will be 24 October 2026.

Until my last working day, I will complete a full handover of my work and responsibilities, and I am glad to help train my replacement so that nothing is left pending.

I would be grateful if you could confirm my final pay, including any unused annual leave, and provide a statement of service confirming my role and dates of employment.

I am sincerely thankful for the opportunities I have had at Northwind Pty Ltd, and for the support of my colleagues and leadership during my time here.

Please let me know if you need anything further from me to complete the formalities.

Yours sincerely,
Jack Wilson
Senior Analyst

More examples

Resignation letter template for Australia: notice under your award or contract

[Date]

Dear [Manager's name],

I am writing to resign from my position as [Your job title] at [Company name]. As required by my [contract / award / enterprise agreement], I am giving [two weeks"] notice, and my last day of employment will be [Last day].

I will hand over my work to [colleague's name] and update my files before I leave. Please let me know when to expect my final pay, including my unused annual leave, and a statement of service.

Thank you for the opportunities I have had here.

Yours sincerely,
[Your full name]

Resignation email to your manager (Australia)

Subject: Resignation: [Your full name]

Hi [Manager's first name],

Following our chat today, this is my formal notice. I am resigning from my role as [Job title], and my last day will be [Last day], in line with my contract.

I'll make sure everything is handed over by then. Could you confirm my final pay and annual leave balance?

Thanks,
[Your full name]

Resigning in Australia: at a glance

Notice
Your award, enterprise agreement or contract sets it, usually one to four weeks by how long you've worked there.
In writing?
Best in writing, by email or a letter, with the date.
Final pay
Most awards require final pay within 7 days after your employment ends; check your award or agreement (Fair Work Ombudsman).
Annual leave
Unused annual leave is paid out in your final pay.
Long service leave
Set by your state or territory's law; whether it's paid out depends on your years of service.
Documents
A statement of service, your final payslip, and an Employment Separation Certificate if you claim Centrelink.
The law
Fair Work Act 2009 and the National Employment Standards, plus your award or agreement.

How much notice to give in Australia

Your award, enterprise agreement or contract sets it, usually one to four weeks depending on how long you've worked there. Check yours before you pick a last day.

Final pay and a statement of service

Unused annual leave is paid out in your final pay. A statement of service confirms your role and dates; employers don't have to give a reference, so ask for this in the letter.

Find your award

Most Australian employees are covered by a modern award, which sets notice and final-pay rules for your industry. Fair Work's website lets you find yours by job and industry. If you're on an enterprise agreement, that document sets them instead.

Casual employees

Casual employees often don't have to give notice unless their award or contract says so. It's still good practice to give as much as you can and put your last shift in writing.

Sources for Australia

Checked on 28 September 2026. Laws change, and your contract, award or company policy can give you more than the minimum, so check it too. This page is general information, not legal advice.

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Can I leave before my notice ends?

Only if your employer agrees. Tick the option and the letter offers to agree an earlier leaving date.

Is long service leave paid out when I resign?

It depends on your state's long service leave law and how long you've worked there. Check with HR.

Do I have to give a reason?

No. A neutral line, or none, is best.

Do I need an Employment Separation Certificate?

Only if you claim Centrelink payments. Your employer fills it in when you ask.

When is my final pay due in Australia?

Most awards require it within 7 days after your employment ends, including unused annual leave; check your award or agreement (Fair Work Ombudsman).

Still unsure? Send us a message — a real person replies.