All workers now entitled to family and domestic violence leave

Small business employees will have a new right to ten days of paid family and domestic violence leave under the Albanese Labor Government’s changes that take effect from today. 

This brings them into line with the same entitlement in place since 1 February for at least seven million employees who work for large or medium businesses – including casuals.

Small businesses had an extra six months to adjust to the change in recognition that they may not have the same human resources capacity as larger businesses to make arrangements to administer the leave effectively.

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke said violence doesn’t discriminate and neither should the law. 

“No one should have to choose between their safety and their pay,” Minister Burke said. 

“Paid family and domestic violence leave is a workplace entitlement that will save lives.” 

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the measure will allow victims of family violence to take time off work without losing income and without losing their jobs.

“Violence against women and children is not acceptable, and for some, it has been inescapable,” Minister Rishworth said.
 
“No one should have to choose between their work or their safety, and this is why we want to take strong action to protect anyone experiencing violence from disadvantage or discrimination in the workplace.
 
“We know that small businesses do not have the same resources as larger organisations, so our Small Business Assistance package provides practical supports to help them as they implement paid family and domestic violence leave for their employees.
 
“This is a workplace entitlement that will make a real difference to the working Australians who experience family and domestic violence each year.” 

The Government provided a range of tailored supports and guidance from the Fair Work Ombudsman to help small businesses understand their obligations, administer the leave entitlement sensitively and lawfully. 

To further support small businesses, the Australian Government and Lifeline Australia today released a podcast titled Small business, big impact: how to support employees experiencing family and domestic violence.

Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot said the podcast is an important tool in preparing small businesses for conversations about paid family and domestic violence leave, including how they can best support their employees.

“The podcast, designed for small businesses, has been guided by experts from the family and domestic violence sector, alongside representatives from small business and their peak bodies,” Assistant Minister Elliot said.

In each podcast episode, host Gretel Killeen speaks with an expert guest discussing what constitutes family and domestic violence, the signs of someone experiencing this violence, and how employers can talk about it with their employees.

More information on paid family and domestic violence leave is available on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website. The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and other platforms.

In addition, the Government commissioned the website, 10dayspaidfdvleave.com.au specifically for small businesses. The website was developed in consultation with small business and family and domestic violence experts.

Existing government-funded services and training, including 1800 RESPECT and DV Alert, continue to support businesses and their employees to deal with Family and Domestic Violence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, family, domestic, or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au