Resign, retire or medically retire?
How you leave can matter as much as when.
Police legislation treats resigning, retiring and medical retirement as different things, and super schemes and insurers often do too. Before you write a letter, make sure resignation is the right label for what you're doing.
Resignation
- Who it suits
- Anyone leaving for another job or life change
- Watch for
- Pro-rata long service leave may not be payable; defined benefit schemes may pay less
Voluntary retirement
- Who it suits
- Officers at or above the minimum retirement age (55 in Tasmania, the NT and the AFP)
- Watch for
- Super is still preserved to 60 unless a condition of release applies
Medical retirement
- Who it suits
- Officers who can't continue because of illness or injury
- Watch for
- Has its own process and benefits; resigning first can forfeit them
| Way of leaving | Who it suits | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Resignation | Anyone leaving for another job or life change | Pro-rata long service leave may not be payable; defined benefit schemes may pay less |
| Voluntary retirement | Officers at or above the minimum retirement age (55 in Tasmania, the NT and the AFP) | Super is still preserved to 60 unless a condition of release applies |
| Medical retirement | Officers who can't continue because of illness or injury | Has its own process and benefits; resigning first can forfeit them |
If you're near 55, check your force's retirement age before resigning. Our police retirement age guide has the rules. If health is part of the reason, read our police medical retirement guide first.
Resigning a few months too early can cost more than any pay rise you'll get in your next job.
How much notice do you have to give?
What each force's law says, as far as we could confirm.
Tasmania Police
- Notice
- 30 days' written notice, unless the Commissioner authorises otherwise; takes effect when accepted
- Source
- Police Service Act 2003 s 27
NT Police
- Notice
- 14 days' notice, or written authority
- Source
- Police Administration Act s 20
AFP (incl. ACT Policing)
- Notice
- Written notice with an effective day at least 14 days and at most 4 months away
- Source
- AFP Act 1979 s 30
Queensland Police
- Notice
- In the manner prescribed by the regulations (period not confirmed by us)
- Source
- Police Service Administration Act s 8.1
NSW Police
- Notice
- Section 94C of the Police Act 1990 covers resignation or retirement by notice; period not confirmed
- Source
- Police Act 1990
Victoria Police
- Notice
- Section 65 of the Victoria Police Act 2013 covers resignation; period not confirmed
- Source
- Victoria Police Act 2013
WA Police
- Notice
- Not confirmed
- Source
- Ask WA Police Union or HR
SA Police
- Notice
- Not confirmed
- Source
- Ask PASA or HR
| Force | Notice | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tasmania Police | 30 days' written notice, unless the Commissioner authorises otherwise; takes effect when accepted | Police Service Act 2003 s 27 |
| NT Police | 14 days' notice, or written authority | Police Administration Act s 20 |
| AFP (incl. ACT Policing) | Written notice with an effective day at least 14 days and at most 4 months away | AFP Act 1979 s 30 |
| Queensland Police | In the manner prescribed by the regulations (period not confirmed by us) | Police Service Administration Act s 8.1 |
| NSW Police | Section 94C of the Police Act 1990 covers resignation or retirement by notice; period not confirmed | Police Act 1990 |
| Victoria Police | Section 65 of the Victoria Police Act 2013 covers resignation; period not confirmed | Victoria Police Act 2013 |
| WA Police | Not confirmed | Ask WA Police Union or HR |
| SA Police | Not confirmed | Ask PASA or HR |
Where we say 'not confirmed', we couldn't open the current legislation or regulation. Your enterprise agreement, award or HR can confirm.
Notice usually runs in calendar days. If you have leave to burn, ask HR whether you can take it during your notice period or whether it'll be paid out instead. That choice affects your last day of service and sometimes your long service leave.
Longest confirmed
30 days
Tasmania
Shortest confirmed
14 days
NT and AFP
AFP maximum
4 months
furthest effective date
Can you resign while under investigation?
You can give notice, but your force may be able to hold it. In the AFP, s 30A of the AFP Act lets the Commissioner delay accepting a resignation by up to 150 days where conduct or corruption is under investigation. In Tasmania, a resignation only takes effect once the Commissioner accepts it.
Talk to your association first
Resigning during a professional standards or integrity matter can affect the outcome, any later reappointment and what's recorded about your service. Your association's legal team is the right first call, not HR.
Other forces have their own rules on misconduct and separation. We haven't summarised them here because the details vary and change; your association can tell you what applies.
What's in your final pay?
Your final pay usually includes salary up to your last day, any allowances owed, unused annual leave and, where your force's rules allow, pro-rata long service leave. Some agreements also allow time off in lieu or purchased leave balances to be settled.
Usually paid out
- ✓Salary and allowances to your last day
- ✓Unused annual leave (the AFP agreement says so expressly)
- ✓Long service leave, if you've reached the entitlement or a pro-rata trigger
Usually not paid out
- ✕Personal or sick leave (the AFP agreement says it isn't paid out)
- ✕Pro-rata long service leave where your reason for leaving doesn't qualify
- ✕WA's paid rest days, which the agreement says aren't paid out
Ask payroll for a written estimate of your final pay before you set your last day. It's the easiest way to spot a leave balance or allowance that hasn't been counted.
Long service leave when you leave
Often the biggest single item, and the most variable.
Long service leave is where timing matters most. Some forces pay pro-rata leave on resignation after a set number of years; others pay it only for specified reasons such as ill-health or retirement. Here's what our data shows for each force.
- Long service leave rules (from our data)
- Extended leave after 7 years: pro rata of 2 months on full pay per 10 years for the first 10 years, then an additional 5 months per 10 years. Can be taken at half or double pay; pro rata from 5 years on certain terminations (cl 19).
- Long service leave rules (from our data)
- 3 months on full pay or 6 months on half pay after 10 years; pro rata after 7 years (cl 164.1; quantum from the official site).
- Long service leave rules (from our data)
- 1.3 weeks per year of continuous service (13 weeks after 10 years), pro rata after 7 years, under Directive 10/24 (cl 6.1, cl 8), which the agreement applies through cl 64.
- Long service leave rules (from our data)
- 520 hours (13 weeks) after 10 years' continuous service (appointed on or after 10 Jan 1995; 7 years if appointed earlier), then 520 hours for each further 7 years (cl 33.1).
- Long service leave rules (from our data)
- Set by the Police Regulations/award; the accrual rate was not verified. Payment in lieu of LSL may be applied for if at least 30 days' credit is kept (EA cl 39). The proposed 2026 EA adds LSL cash-out arrangements.
- Long service leave rules (from our data)
- Under the Long Service Leave (State Employees) Act 1994 (award cl 15.16): entitlement after 10 years' continuous employment, with pro-rata payout from 7 years in specified circumstances (ill-health, retirement etc.). The amount is not verified.
- Long service leave rules (from our data)
- 4 calendar months after 10 years' continuous service, then 12 calendar days for each further year; pro-rata on resignation after 7 years (22.5/45/67.5 days at 7/8/9 years).
- Long service leave rules (from our data)
- Under the Long Service Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1976; the careers page says paid long service leave after 10 years of continuous Australian Government service. Prior Commonwealth, state, territory, local government and ADF service can be recognised. Minimum 7 calendar days per grant.
| Force | Long service leave rules (from our data) |
|---|---|
| NSW Police | Extended leave after 7 years: pro rata of 2 months on full pay per 10 years for the first 10 years, then an additional 5 months per 10 years. Can be taken at half or double pay; pro rata from 5 years on certain terminations (cl 19). |
| Victoria Police | 3 months on full pay or 6 months on half pay after 10 years; pro rata after 7 years (cl 164.1; quantum from the official site). |
| QPS | 1.3 weeks per year of continuous service (13 weeks after 10 years), pro rata after 7 years, under Directive 10/24 (cl 6.1, cl 8), which the agreement applies through cl 64. |
| WA Police | 520 hours (13 weeks) after 10 years' continuous service (appointed on or after 10 Jan 1995; 7 years if appointed earlier), then 520 hours for each further 7 years (cl 33.1). |
| SAPOL | Set by the Police Regulations/award; the accrual rate was not verified. Payment in lieu of LSL may be applied for if at least 30 days' credit is kept (EA cl 39). The proposed 2026 EA adds LSL cash-out arrangements. |
| Tasmania Police | Under the Long Service Leave (State Employees) Act 1994 (award cl 15.16): entitlement after 10 years' continuous employment, with pro-rata payout from 7 years in specified circumstances (ill-health, retirement etc.). The amount is not verified. |
| NT Police | 4 calendar months after 10 years' continuous service, then 12 calendar days for each further year; pro-rata on resignation after 7 years (22.5/45/67.5 days at 7/8/9 years). |
| AFP | Under the Long Service Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1976; the careers page says paid long service leave after 10 years of continuous Australian Government service. Prior Commonwealth, state, territory, local government and ADF service can be recognised. Minimum 7 calendar days per grant. |
From each force's agreement, award or legislation as recorded in our data files. Where it says 'not verified', confirm with your association or HR.
For example, the NT pays 45 days of pro-rata long service leave on resignation after 8 years. On the $87,005 Constable 1 base salary in our NT data, that's worth about $10,727, on our calculation. Resign a few months before an anniversary and you could leave thousands on the table.
More detail on leave is in our police leave entitlements guide and the state leave pages, for example NT Police leave.
How are leave payouts taxed?
For a normal resignation, the ATO treats unused leave payouts like this. The concessional rates for genuine redundancy, invalidity and approved early retirement schemes generally don't apply to a voluntary resignation.
Unused annual leave
- Accrued
- On or after 18 August 1993
- Treatment on normal termination
- Taxed at marginal rates (amounts under $300 withheld at 32%)
Unused annual leave
- Accrued
- Before 18 August 1993
- Treatment on normal termination
- Withheld at 32%
Unused long service leave
- Accrued
- After 17 August 1993
- Treatment on normal termination
- Taxed at marginal rates
Unused long service leave
- Accrued
- 16 August 1978 to 17 August 1993
- Treatment on normal termination
- Withheld at 32%
| Payment | Accrued | Treatment on normal termination |
|---|---|---|
| Unused annual leave | On or after 18 August 1993 | Taxed at marginal rates (amounts under $300 withheld at 32%) |
| Unused annual leave | Before 18 August 1993 | Withheld at 32% |
| Unused long service leave | After 17 August 1993 | Taxed at marginal rates |
| Unused long service leave | 16 August 1978 to 17 August 1993 | Withheld at 32% |
From ATO Schedule 7 and its unused annual leave guidance. Withholding isn't always your final tax: it's reconciled in your tax return.
A large leave payout in the same financial year as a full year's salary can push you into a higher bracket. If you have the choice, leaving early in a financial year, or taking leave rather than cashing it, can reduce the tax.
See what your final months are worth after tax
Work out your take-home pay on your current salary, then compare it with a new job's offer before you set a leaving date.
What happens to your super when you resign?
Your super doesn't come with you as cash. Accumulation super stays in your fund and is preserved until 60 unless you meet another condition of release. Employer contributions stop on your last day, which for forces paying above the 12% Superannuation Guarantee (the AFP pays 15.4%, for example) is part of what you give up.
- 1
Decide where your super lives
AccumulationYou can usually stay in the fund, or roll over to your new employer's fund. Check fees and insurance first.
- 2
Check defined benefit options
Defined benefitClosed schemes such as PSS, CSS, ESSS, QSuper's police account or the SA Police scheme have their own resignation rules. Ask for a written statement of your options.
- 3
Keep or replace insurance
InsuranceCover can be cancelled after 16 months without contributions unless you opt in. Police often find it hard to get cover elsewhere.
Our police super guide covers each force's scheme, and the TPD and income protection guide explains what happens to your cover.
If you're injured or unwell, pause before resigning
Resigning can close doors that are hard to reopen. Income protection and TPD claims often depend on you being employed, or on why you stopped work. Defined benefit invalidity benefits usually need a medical retirement, not a resignation. Tasmania's RBF Contributory Scheme booklet specifically warns members not to resign before their invalidity decision.
Get three answers before you resign
Ask your super fund how resigning affects any insurance claim, ask your association whether medical retirement is an option, and ask a lawyer whether a workers comp claim should be lodged first.
If stress or a mental health condition is behind the decision, support is available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, any time, or 000 in an emergency. State guides such as SA Police medical retirement list police-specific services.
Can you rejoin later?
Most forces have a way back, on their terms.
NSW
- What we found
- Reappointment program: 3+ years' service, left less than 3 years ago; training program ($1,658) and medical ($454.74) at your cost; 12-month probation; pay up to Senior Constable L6 equivalent; 3-year tenure
Victoria
- What we found
- Reappointment processes for former constables to senior sergeants; retired officers with 2+ years' prior service recruited as reservists ($86,188 full time)
Queensland
- What we found
- Separate pathway for ex-QPS officers considering service length, reason for leaving, conduct history, rank, skills and time away; starting rank and pay set by Service policy (cl 89)
WA
- What we found
- The employer may exempt former officers from the Academy, waive probation and appoint at a rank and salary recognising prior service (agreement cl 10.7)
SA
- What we found
- No specific program for former SAPOL officers found; ask SAPOL recruiting
Tasmania
- What we found
- Re-Engagement Training Program for officers who left less than 2 years ago; NCO rank recognised; probation at least 3 months
NT
- What we found
- Retired members may be reappointed at a rank not above their last, but not at 67 or older
AFP
- What we found
- No dedicated return program found; the Commissioner may set a higher starting pay point based on experience (EA s 10)
| Force | What we found |
|---|---|
| NSW | Reappointment program: 3+ years' service, left less than 3 years ago; training program ($1,658) and medical ($454.74) at your cost; 12-month probation; pay up to Senior Constable L6 equivalent; 3-year tenure |
| Victoria | Reappointment processes for former constables to senior sergeants; retired officers with 2+ years' prior service recruited as reservists ($86,188 full time) |
| Queensland | Separate pathway for ex-QPS officers considering service length, reason for leaving, conduct history, rank, skills and time away; starting rank and pay set by Service policy (cl 89) |
| WA | The employer may exempt former officers from the Academy, waive probation and appoint at a rank and salary recognising prior service (agreement cl 10.7) |
| SA | No specific program for former SAPOL officers found; ask SAPOL recruiting |
| Tasmania | Re-Engagement Training Program for officers who left less than 2 years ago; NCO rank recognised; probation at least 3 months |
| NT | Retired members may be reappointed at a rank not above their last, but not at 67 or older |
| AFP | No dedicated return program found; the Commissioner may set a higher starting pay point based on experience (EA s 10) |
From each force's data file and the sources listed. Programs open and close; check before you plan around one.
Time limits matter. NSW's window is 3 years and Tasmania's is 2, so if there's any chance you'll want to come back, note the date. For how former officers use their skills elsewhere, see careers after policing.
Moving to another force? Don't resign first
Some transfer pathways need you to be serving when you apply.
There's no automatic transfer between Australian police forces. Each force runs its own lateral entry pathway, and several are built for serving officers. Resigning before you have an offer can shut you out, or move you onto a slower route.
NSW
- Pathway (from our data)
- Professional Mobility Program: 12 weeks at Goulburn, paid from the start, rank recognised up to Senior Constable
- Must you be serving?
- Yes, generally 1 year full time after probation
Victoria
- Pathway (from our data)
- No lateral transfer; prior service recognised after the full recruitment process and a skills-gap analysis
- Must you be serving?
- No, but you go through entrance testing
Queensland
- Pathway (from our data)
- Separate pathway for serving or recent Australian and NZ officers
- Must you be serving?
- Serving or recent
WA
- Pathway (from our data)
- 13-week transitional course at Joondalup, then 6 months' probation
- Must you be serving?
- Described for serving officers
SA
- Pathway (from our data)
- 15-week transition course, up to $10,000 relocation, prior service recognised up to 7 years
- Must you be serving?
- 3+ years' continuous active service in the last 5
Tasmania
- Pathway (from our data)
- 12-week Accelerated Training Program
- Must you be serving?
- No: separated less than 4 years (6 if in related law enforcement)
NT
- Pathway (from our data)
- Accelerated Recruitment Program, paid at the increment for completed years
- Must you be serving?
- No: less than 5 years since last sworn service
AFP
- Pathway (from our data)
- Skilled Police Program closed, with no date for the next intake
- Must you be serving?
- n/a
| Force you're moving to | Pathway (from our data) | Must you be serving? |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Professional Mobility Program: 12 weeks at Goulburn, paid from the start, rank recognised up to Senior Constable | Yes, generally 1 year full time after probation |
| Victoria | No lateral transfer; prior service recognised after the full recruitment process and a skills-gap analysis | No, but you go through entrance testing |
| Queensland | Separate pathway for serving or recent Australian and NZ officers | Serving or recent |
| WA | 13-week transitional course at Joondalup, then 6 months' probation | Described for serving officers |
| SA | 15-week transition course, up to $10,000 relocation, prior service recognised up to 7 years | 3+ years' continuous active service in the last 5 |
| Tasmania | 12-week Accelerated Training Program | No: separated less than 4 years (6 if in related law enforcement) |
| NT | Accelerated Recruitment Program, paid at the increment for completed years | No: less than 5 years since last sworn service |
| AFP | Skilled Police Program closed, with no date for the next intake | n/a |
Summarised from each force's lateralEntry data. Programs and criteria change; check the receiving force's current page.
The safe order is: apply, get a written offer with a start date, then resign with enough notice to finish on the right day. Our interstate transfer guide covers each pathway in detail, including pay recognition.
Your resignation checklist
Before you hand in your letter
- ✓ Confirm your notice period in writing with HR
- ✓ Get a written estimate of final pay, annual leave and long service leave
- ✓ Check whether waiting a few weeks or months reaches a long service leave or retirement age trigger
- ✓ Ask your super fund or scheme for your options in writing, especially for defined benefit schemes
- ✓ Decide whether to keep your insurance in super, and opt in if you'll stop contributing
- ✓ If you're injured or unwell, get advice on medical retirement and claims first
- ✓ Note the reappointment window for your force
- ✓ Ask for a statement of service and your training records for future employers
Leaving is a big decision, and it's fine to take your time over it. Your association can talk it through confidentially.
Free email alerts
Thinking of leaving? Get the rules that change
Reappointment windows open and close, leave cash-out rules change in new agreements, and super rules move each July. We email officers weighing up an exit when anything changes that affects the decision.
- ✓Reappointment and reservist openings by force
- ✓Leave payout and super rule changes
Frequently asked questions
How much notice do you need to resign from the police?
It depends on the force. Tasmania requires 30 days' written notice unless the Commissioner agrees otherwise (Police Service Act s 27). The NT requires 14 days' notice or written authority (s 20). AFP employees give notice with an effective date between 14 days and 4 months away (AFP Act s 30). In Queensland it's whatever the regulations prescribe. We couldn't confirm NSW, Victoria, WA or SA from the legislation.
Do you get paid out annual leave when you resign from the police?
Yes, unused annual leave is paid out when you leave; the AFP enterprise agreement says so expressly. It's taxed at your marginal rate for leave accrued after 17 August 1993. Personal or sick leave generally isn't paid out: the AFP agreement, for example, says personal leave is not paid out.
Do you get long service leave if you resign before 10 years?
Sometimes. It depends on your force's rules and your reason for leaving. The NT pays pro-rata long service leave on resignation after 7 years (22.5, 45 or 67.5 days at 7, 8 or 9 years). NSW pays pro rata from 5 years only on certain terminations, and Tasmania pays from 7 years only in specified circumstances such as ill-health or retirement. Check before you set a date.
What happens to my police super when I resign?
Accumulation super stays in your account and is preserved until 60 unless you meet another condition of release. Employer contributions stop. If you're in a closed defined benefit scheme, resigning usually changes what you get, so ask the scheme for your options before you leave. Insurance can be cancelled after 16 months without contributions unless you opt in.
Can I resign from the police while under investigation?
You can give notice, but it may not take effect when you want. In the AFP, s 30A lets the Commissioner delay accepting a resignation by up to 150 days where conduct or corruption is under investigation. In Tasmania, a resignation only takes effect when the Commissioner accepts it. Get advice from your association before you resign during any investigation.
Can I rejoin the police after resigning?
Often, yes. NSW has a reappointment program for officers with 3+ years' service who left less than 3 years ago. Tasmania re-engages officers who left less than 2 years ago. WA's agreement lets the employer recognise former officers' service, Queensland has a separate pathway for ex-QPS officers, and Victoria Police has been recruiting retired officers as reservists.
Should I resign if I'm injured?
Get advice first. Resigning can cut off income protection, TPD and defined benefit invalidity claims that depend on you being employed when you stop work, or on how you leave. Some schemes warn members specifically not to resign before an invalidity decision. Talk to your association, your super fund and a lawyer.
Is unused leave taxed differently on resignation?
Not much, for most officers. For a normal resignation, unused annual leave and long service leave accrued after 17 August 1993 are taxed at marginal rates. Older leave has its own withholding rates. Lower concessional rates apply mainly to genuine redundancy, invalidity and early retirement schemes, not a voluntary resignation.
Evidence
Sources and how we checked them
Every figure on this page comes from the sources below, read on 9 October 2026. Pay rates and rules change when new agreements are made, so check the source for the date you're reading this. Where we couldn't confirm something from an official source, the page says so instead of guessing. Spotted an error? Read our corrections policy.
- Police Act 1990 (NSW), current version
- Crown Employees (Police Officers - 2024) Award, NSW Industrial Gazette Vol 397, 9 May 2025, pp 1238-1334
- Police Service Administration Act 1990 (Qld), s 8.1 (current as at 1 April 2026) — Resignation in the manner prescribed by regulation
- Police Service Act 2003 (Tas), s 27 — 30 days' written notice
- Police Administration Act 1978 (NT), s 20 (as in force 6 December 2025) — 14 days' notice
- Australian Federal Police Act 1979 (compilation 8 Nov 2025)
- Australian Federal Police Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027 (FWC AE526995, [2024] FWCA 4231)
- ATO: Schedule 7, tax table for unused leave payments on termination of employment
- ATO: Unused annual leave
- ATO: Employment termination payments for employees
- ATO: Super withdrawal options
- Moneysmart: Insurance through super — Cover cancelled after 16 months without contributions
- NSW Police Force recruitment: Reappointment program
- Victoria Police: Former or returning Victoria Police officers (Sergeant or Senior Sergeant)
- ABC News: Victoria Police reservists, recruitment and crime (16 Aug 2026)
- Queensland Police Service Certified Agreement 2025 (QIRC CB/2025/116)
- Western Australia Police Force Industrial Agreement 2024 (WAIRC, WES338)
- Tasmania Police Recruitment: Accelerated Training Program
- Victoria Police (Police Officers, PSOs, Police Reservists and Police Recruits) Enterprise Agreement 2025, [2025] FWCA 1135, AE528554
- Northern Territory Police Force Consent Agreement 2022 (PAT-certified), NTPA copy
Related guides
Retiring and super
More in this series
General information, not advice. This guide explains published rules and rates. It doesn't consider your personal circumstances and isn't financial, legal, tax or credit advice. Confirm anything you rely on with your force, your police association, the ATO or a licensed professional.