S.L. 220.3 Art. 51Compassionate leave.

(1) Compassionate leave may be granted in any of the following cases:

(a) death, imminent death or dangerous illness of spouse, child, parent or other recorded next of kin;

(b) for urgent reasons of an exceptional or personal nature, when the presence of the individual concerned is essential to lessen domestic hardship.

(2) Except in extreme urgency, the compassionate circumstances shall be verified before leave is granted. In cases of extreme urgency leave may be granted immediately and the circumstances investigated as soon as possible afterwards.

(3) Authority to grant compassionate leave shall be as follows:

(a) for periods not exceeding 28 days - Commanding Officer;

(b) for any extension beyond 28 days - Commander.

(4) Compassionate leave shall not count against eligibility for annual leave.

(5) In respect of personnel serving overseas, the Commander may authorise compassionate leave with travel at public expense if the situation so warrants.