Immediate family member
An immediate family member is a spouse (current or former), de facto partner (current or former), child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling of an employee. It also includes these relations of an employee's spouse or de facto partner and encompasses step and adoptive relationships.
This term is important in employment contexts, especially when considering entitlements like family or compassionate leave. It recognises a broad range of close familial relationships, including traditional, step and adoptive families, ensuring that employees' rights consider these diverse family structures.
Why immediate family matters for leave
The definition decides who an employee can take paid carer's leave and compassionate leave for, along with members of their household. It also matters for paid family and domestic violence leave, which covers violence by a close relative, a current or former intimate partner or a member of the household. For example, an employee can take compassionate leave when their spouse's grandparent dies, but not for a friend unless that friend lives in their household.
See compassionate leave and our guide to immediate family leave.
General information only
This content is general information about Australian employment law, current at the date it was last reviewed. It does not take your circumstances into account and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, call Employment Compass on 1300 144 002.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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