Resignation letter template (Australia)
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Fill in the fields and the letter on the right updates as you type. Everything happens in your browser — nothing you type is uploaded or saved anywhere.
Optional. Put each part on its own line.
Defaults to today.
Optional. Put each part on its own line.
Check your award, agreement or contract for the notice you need to give.
The last day you will actually work.
Optional — Fair Work does not require you to give a reason for resigning.
Your letter
I am writing to formally notify you of my resignation from my position as [Your position] at [Company name]. I am giving two weeks notice, and my final day of work will be [Your last working day].
I would like to make the handover as smooth as possible. I am happy to help wrap up my current work, document what I am responsible for, and support whoever takes over before I finish.
Thank you for the opportunities and support I have had while working at [Company name]. I have valued my time here, and I wish you and the team all the best.
Step by step
How to use this template
- Fill in your details Enter your name and position, your manager and company, and the dates. The letter on the right updates as you type.
- Set your notice period and last day Choose the notice you are giving and the last day you will work. Leave the reason blank if you would rather not give one.
- Download or print Download the finished letter as a PDF or a Word file, or print it straight from the page. Nothing leaves your browser.
- Sign and send it Sign the letter and give it to your manager. Email is usually fine, but check your contract in case it asks for a signed hard copy.
Know before you send it
Notice, final pay and your rights when you resign
How much notice you need to give when you resign is set by your award, registered agreement or employment contract. Many awards ask for a set amount of notice — often up to four weeks, depending on how long you have worked there. If nothing in writing covers your notice, it is usual to give a reasonable period and to confirm it in writing, which is what this letter does.
As a useful reference point, the National Employment Standards set the minimum notice an employer must give when they end your employment. Employees often mirror this scale when they resign, even though the statutory table itself applies to the employer’s notice, not yours.
You do not have to give a reason for resigning. A short, polite letter that states your position, your notice period and your last day is all that is needed. Keeping it professional protects your reference and makes the handover easier.
When you leave, your final pay should include any wages owed and your accrued but unused annual leave. Depending on your length of service and your state, you may also be paid some long service leave. Final pay is generally made on or shortly after your last day — check your award or agreement for the exact timing.
| Length of continuous service | Reference notice period |
|---|---|
| 1 year or less | Minimum notice on the NES employer scale: 1 week |
| More than 1 up to 3 years | 2 weeks |
| More than 3 up to 5 years | 3 weeks |
| More than 5 years | 4 weeks |
Questions
Common questions
- How much notice do I need to give when I resign in Australia?
- The notice you must give is set by your award, registered agreement or employment contract — commonly up to four weeks depending on your length of service. If nothing in writing sets your notice, giving reasonable notice and confirming it in writing is the safe approach. Check your contract first.
- Do I have to give a reason for resigning?
- No. There is no requirement to explain why you are leaving. A brief, professional letter stating your position, your notice period and your last day is enough. You can add a reason if you want to, but it is entirely optional.
- Can I resign by email?
- In most jobs, resigning by email is accepted, and it gives you a clear record of the date. Some contracts ask for written notice delivered a particular way, so it is worth checking. Attaching a signed letter, like the one this page produces, covers you either way.
- What is my last working day?
- Your last working day is the final day you actually work, at the end of your notice period. If you give two weeks’ notice on the 1st, your last day is usually two weeks later. State the exact date in your letter so there is no confusion.
- Do I get paid out for annual leave when I resign?
- Yes. Any annual leave you have accrued but not taken is paid out in your final pay. Depending on how long you have worked and the rules in your state, you may also be entitled to some long service leave. Your final pay should also include any wages still owing.
- Can my employer make me leave before my notice period ends?
- An employer can ask you to finish earlier than your notice period. If they do, they generally pay you for the rest of the notice instead of having you work it. Your entitlements up to that point still stand. If you are unsure, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Where this comes from
Source
Fair Work Ombudsman — Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and the National Employment Standards
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ending-employment/notice-and-final-pay
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