Jury Duty in Queensland: What You Need to Know

How do I get out of jury duty in QLD?

You can't simply opt out, but you can apply to be excused. Complete the juror questionnaire (online or on paper) and select a ground such as ill health, caring duties, financial hardship, religious beliefs, or work or study you genuinely can't leave. Attach supporting documents and apply as early as you can. People aged 70 or over can be excused as of right.

How much are you paid for jury duty in Queensland?

If you attend but aren't selected, you're paid $49.60 per day or part-day. If you're chosen (empanelled) for a trial, you're paid $148.30 per day, and after 20 weekdays on the same trial you get an extra $49.60 a day on top. Meal and travel allowances apply in set circumstances. These rates are current as at June 2026, check the Queensland Courts website for any updates.

Can my employer sack me for doing jury duty?

No. Your employer is legally required to release you if you're summoned, and it's illegal for them to dismiss or disadvantage you for making yourself available. An employer who breaks this law can be fined and even imprisoned for up to a year.

How long does jury duty last in Queensland?

For most people it's short, often a single day or a few days. Sometimes you attend and are sent home the same day without being selected, and you're still paid. A small number of trials run for weeks, and there's an extra daily payment once you've served more than 20 weekdays on the one trial.

What happens if I don't show up for jury duty in QLD?

Failing to attend after being summoned, or not responding to your notice, without a reasonable excuse is an offence under the Jury Act 1995. The penalty is up to 10 penalty units (about $1,669) or 2 months' imprisonment. It's far safer to apply to be excused than to simply not turn up.

Who is exempt from jury duty in Queensland?

Some people are ineligible, including the Governor, members of parliament, judges and magistrates, practising lawyers, current and former police, and corrective services and detention officers. People convicted of an indictable offence or who have served a sentence of imprisonment are also not eligible, and people who can't read or write English or whose disability prevents effective service are excluded.

Can I be excused from jury duty for work or study?

Yes, but only if your work or study commitments make serving genuinely impossible, not merely inconvenient. You'll usually need a supporting letter from your employer or education provider explaining the difficulty. Apply through the questionnaire and explain your situation clearly.

Does my employer have to pay me during jury duty?

The court pays you a daily allowance, but whether your employer tops up your normal wages depends on your award or agreement. Many national-system employees are entitled to 'make-up pay' (the difference between the court allowance and their base pay) for the first 10 days of jury service under the Fair Work Act, so check with the Fair Work Ombudsman or your employer.

Can I be excused if I'm a carer or have young children?

Yes. Caring responsibilities, including caring for young children or a person who needs constant care, are a recognised ground to apply to be excused. Explain your circumstances on the questionnaire and provide any supporting information you can.

Why was I picked for jury duty?

You weren't singled out. Names are chosen at random from the Queensland electoral roll, so any enrolled voter living in a jury district can be selected. You can be called more than once over your lifetime, though recent service in the past 12 months is a ground to be excused.