Short answer: Yes — you can get a legitimate medical certificate (sick note / doctor’s certificate) online in Australia via a telehealth consultation, provided it’s issued by an AHPRA‑registered medical practitioner. Many Australian telehealth services offer same‑day certificates, but you should pick a reputable provider and expect a clinical assessment first. (MIDOC.com.au)

What you need to know (key points)

• Legality: Only registered practitioners can lawfully issue medical certificates. Certificates from an AHPRA‑registered doctor or nurse practitioner are generally valid for employers, schools and universities. (AHPRA.gov.au)
• Employer rights: Employers can ask for evidence of illness (sometimes for a single day) and may ask for a medical certificate. If you don’t provide reasonable evidence when requested you may not be paid for sick/carer’s leave. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains what evidence is acceptable. (fairwork.gov.au)
• Safety and checks: There are legitimate telehealth companies and also lower‑quality operators. Red flags include providers that sell a certificate with no clinical assessment, offer back‑dating, or do not show the issuing doctor’s name/registration details. Verify the practitioner on AHPRA’s public register before relying on a certificate. (doccert.com.au)

Practical steps to get one safely

1. Use a reputable telehealth service (large, transparent sites or your regular GP’s telehealth). Examples of common providers advertise online certificates but always check credentials. (MIDOC.com.au)
2. Ensure the consultation is real (video/phone/chat) and the doctor assesses you before issuing a certificate. Avoid any site that simply sells a signed PDF without assessment. (doccert.com.au)
3. Verify the doctor’s registration on the AHPRA public register (search by name or registration number). If the practitioner is not on the register, do not accept the certificate. (AHPRA.gov.au)
4. Keep the certificate and any supporting info your employer requests (dates, whether it’s for work/uni/carer’s leave). If you can’t get a doctor, Fair Work says a statutory declaration or other reasonable evidence may sometimes be accepted. (fairwork.gov.au)

Warnings

• Back‑dated or fake certificates are illegal and can lead to disciplinary or legal consequences. (doccert.com.au)
• Some telehealth business models and practices have drawn regulatory and media scrutiny; choose transparent providers and check reviews. (ABC.net.au)

If you want, I can:

• Suggest reputable Australian telehealth services to consider, or
• Walk you through how to check a doctor on the AHPRA register (I can show the search steps).