Short answer

• Yes — medical certificates issued after a genuine telehealth consultation are legally valid in Australia so long as they are issued by an appropriately registered practitioner and meet the usual requirements for a medical certificate. (fairwork.gov.au)

What the law and regulators say (key points)

• Fair Work: employers may request evidence (including a medical certificate) for sick or carer’s leave; a medical certificate is normally sufficient evidence when it shows the dates and that the employee was unfit for work. Employers must act reasonably when asking for or checking evidence. (fairwork.gov.au)
• AHPRA / professional standards: telehealth consultations and any documents produced (including certificates) must be done in accordance with AHPRA guidance — the clinician must be registered with AHPRA to consult with patients in Australia, must meet standards of care, and must use telehealth appropriately. That means the same professional responsibilities apply to online consultations as in-person ones. (www1.RACGP.org.au)
• Practical regulatory context: regulators and media have flagged concerns about some commercial telehealth models (rapid/low-contact consultations, subscription “instant” certificates, or services operating without proper registration). That has prompted closer scrutiny of telehealth practices, but it does not make bona fide telehealth certificates invalid — it means employers and patients should check the provider is legitimate. (abc.net.au)

When a telehealth certificate may be rejected or questioned

• It may be challenged if issued by someone who is not AHPRA-registered, lacks required details (patient name, date of consultation, dates unfit for work, practitioner’s name/qualification/AHPRA number), or if there are reasonable grounds to suspect misuse or fraud. Employers may verify certificates where reasonable. (fairwork.gov.au)

Practical checklist For employees:

• Use a telehealth provider who uses AHPRA‑registered doctors (ask for the doctor’s name and AHPRA number). (www1.RACGP.org.au)
• Ensure the certificate includes: patient name, consultation date, dates unfit for work (or partial duties), practitioner name/qualification/signature and clinic/contact details (and AHPRA number if available). (telehealthdr.com.au)
• Keep consultation records (email, message history) in case an employer asks for verification.

For employers:

• Treat a bona fide medical certificate from a registered practitioner as valid evidence, unless you have reasonable grounds to suspect it’s not genuine. Requests for verification must be reasonable and consistent with awards/policies. See Fair Work guidance on evidence. (fairwork.gov.au)

If you suspect a certificate is fraudulent or a provider is operating improperly

• Employers can contact the practitioner/clinic to verify, request further reasonable evidence, or seek advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman. If you suspect a practitioner is practising unprofessionally or without proper registration, report to AHPRA. (fairwork.gov.au)

Bottom line Telehealth-issued medical certificates are legally accepted in Australia when produced by AHPRA‑registered clinicians following appropriate telehealth standards and containing the normal required details. However, there is increased regulatory scrutiny of some telehealth business models, so both employees and employers should confirm the provider and certificate details if there is any doubt. (fairwork.gov.au)

If you want, I can:

• check a specific telehealth provider’s legitimacy (name/website) and whether they list AHPRA‑registered clinicians, or
• draft a short template email you (an employee) can send your employer attaching a telehealth certificate.