We are pleased to share a significant update regarding paid family and domestic violence leave entitlements for employees. As of now, employees of small business employers are eligible for 10 days of paid leave within a 12-month period.

What You Need to Know About the Leave

Here’s what you should know about this new leave entitlement:

1. Eligibility: Full-time, part-time, and casual employees are eligible to take 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave within a 12-month period. Unlike other leaves, it isn’t pro-rated for part-time or casual employees.
2. Upfront Availability: All 10 days of leave are available upfront – there’s no need to accrue it over time.
3. Non-Accumulative: The leave doesn’t accumulate from year to year if it’s not used within the 12-month period.
4. Separate Entitlement: This leave is a separate and distinct paid leave entitlement, similar to paid annual leave or paid sick and carer’s leave.
5. Pay Slip Information: Employers must not include specific information about an employee’s use of paid family and domestic violence leave on their pay slip.
6. Replaces Previous Leave Entitlement: This new entitlement replaces the previous 5 days of unpaid family and domestic violence leave under the National Employment Standards (NES).

We recognise the importance of supporting those experiencing domestic, family, or sexual violence. If you or someone you know needs assistance, 1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family, and sexual violence counseling, information, and support service. Reach out to them on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

In case of an emergency, please call 000 immediately.