The Australian Fair Work Commission has ruled that all employees, including part-time and casual staff, will be entitled to five days of unpaid leave if they are affected by family or domestic violence, if they “need to do something to deal with the impact of family and domestic violence and it is impractical for them to do this outside of their ordinary hours of work”.
In response to the decision, Small Business Minister Craig Laundy and Minister for Women Kelly O’Dwyer said the Federal Government will introduce legislation into Parliament “as soon as possible” so that all Australian workers, not just those covered by modern award agreements, would be able to access the same leave entitlements.
This prompts HR professionals to consider a review and update of their policies and procedures. Domestic Violence Leave needs to be incorporated into the workplace as soon as it can, and communicated as to how this interacts with existing leave policies. In addition, organisations must consider how to assist and provide special training to HR for dealing with employees who seek this family and domestic violence entitlement.
Read more on the FWC (https://www.hcamag.com/hr-news/fwc-rules-on-familyfriendly-working-hours-and-domestic-violence-leave-248144.aspx )
Need help? Reach out to Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/domestic-family-violence