EMPLOYER UPDATE: Family & Domestic Violence Leave for employees has been updated by Fair Work.

Currently, all employees are entitled to family & domestic violence leave each year. This includes full-time, part-time & casual employees. However, the entitlements have recently changed. It’s important that employers are aware of the changes made & the dates the updated entitlements are effective from.

Depending on the size of their employer, employees can take paid leave to deal with family & domestic violence from different dates. The increased leave entitlements are available from:

• 1 February 2023, for employees of non-small business employers
• 1 August 2023, for employees of small business employers.

IMPORTANTLY
Employees of small business employers can continue to take the current unpaid family & domestic violence leave that comes from the National Employment Standards (NES) until 1 August 2023. This is a minimum leave entitlement, like annual leave or sick & carer’s leave.

FURTHER DETAILS

Important information on what ‘family & domestic violence’ means, along with details on how this leave can be taken has been updated on the Fair Work website & can be accessed here.   

1800RESPECT – Confidential Information, Counselling & Support Service
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family & sexual violence counselling, information & support service. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call their 24hr number 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au to chat to someone online or find a service in your area.