Until now, all employees have been entitled to up to 5 days of unpaid domestic violence leave (including part time and casual employees).

From 1 February 2023 employees who work in businesses with more than 15 employees can access 10 days of paid domestic violence leave per year.

From 1 August 2023 this will also be extended to small business employees (in the meantime small business employees remain entitled to 5 days unpaid domestic violence leave)

ALL EMPLOYEES (full-time, part-time and casual) can access the full 10 days of paid domestic violence leave. Paid domestic violence leave does not accrue each year, however it does renew every 12 months on the employee’s work anniversary.

Payment is made at the employee’s full pay rate they would have received if they were working at the time the leave is taken (or for casual employees, payment is for the hours they were rostered to work).

While employers are required to keep a record of leave balances, there must be no reference to family and domestic violence leave on employee pay slips.

If you would like to discuss these or any of the other recent changes to the Fair Work Act as a result of the Secure Jobs, Better Pay legislation please contact Andrew Bland or call 02 9412 3077.