New family and domestic violence leave entitlement

Family and domestic violence leave has been added to the National Employment Standards and applies to all employees in the Fair Work System from today.

On 12 December 2018 the Fair Work Amendment (Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Act 2018 took effect. The Fair Work Act 2009 now includes an entitlement to unpaid family and domestic violence leave as part of the National Employment Standards (NES).

The new entitlement applies to all employees (including part-time and casual employees) and allows those experiencing family and domestic violence to access up to 5 days of unpaid leave to do something to deal with its impact. This includes (but is not limited to) taking time off to:

• make arrangements for personal safety or the safety of a family member
• attend court hearings
• access police services

For more information on the new Fair Work Ombudsman changes click here.

Confidential information, counselling and support for people impacted by domestic and family violence is available through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service.

Bare Bones Consulting provides expert advice to employers when it comes to Fair Work Act obligations, employment documents and getting the best from your people. Our business is about making HR easy for you. That means simple, value for money advice…tailored to your business, people and operating environment. We’re open over the Christmas break and happy to help you out…irrespective of whether you’ve been naughty or nice!