Compliance
Converting From Casual to Permanent Employment
Short answer
Under the employee choice pathway, a casual can give written notice to convert to permanent after 6 months of employment, or 12 months with a small business employer, if their hours have become regular and ongoing. The employer must respond in writing within 21 days. Converting trades the 25% casual loading for paid leave.
Who can ask
You can give a conversion notice if you have been employed at least 6 months - or 12 months where the employer is a small business (fewer than 15 employees) - and you believe your work pattern no longer fits the casual definition (no firm advance commitment, irregular hours).
What changes if you convert
You keep your role but move to permanent: you gain paid annual leave, paid personal/carer's leave, notice of termination and redundancy entitlements - and you stop receiving the 25% casual loading. Whether you are better off in cash terms depends on your hours - model both with the casual pay calculator.
The process
Put the request in writing. The employer must consult you and respond in writing within 21 days, and can only refuse on limited grounds (you still meet the casual definition, or fair operational grounds). Disputes can go to the Fair Work Commission.
Frequently asked questions
When can a casual ask to go permanent?+
After 6 months with the employer - or 12 months if it is a small business employer - if their pattern of work has become regular and ongoing.
Do I lose money converting to permanent?+
You trade the 25% casual loading for paid leave, notice and redundancy rights. For regular full-time hours the leave entitlements are usually worth more than the loading over time.
Can my employer refuse?+
Only on limited grounds and in writing within 21 days. Unresolved disputes can be taken to the Fair Work Commission.
Sources & methodology
- ATO - Personal income tax: new tax cuts (15% rate from 1 July 2026)
- Income Tax Rates Act 1986 (legislation.gov.au)
- ATO - Study and training loan repayment thresholds and rates
- ATO - Super guarantee
- ATO - Contribution caps
- ATO - Payday Super and the annual maximum contribution base
- ATO - Medicare levy
- ATO - Medicare levy surcharge income thresholds and rates
- Fair Work Ombudsman - Pay slips
- How we calculate these estimates
Last updated 13 August 2026. Figures use the 2026-27 financial year.
Related calculators & guides
Try the Casual Pay Calculator
Put these numbers into a calculator and see your own result.