Family and domestic violence means violent, threatening, or other abusive behavior by an employee’s close relative, current or former intimate partner, or a member of their household. Violence can attempt to coerce or control the employee or cause them harm or fear.
The employee can get this payment for something to deal with the family and domestic violence such as planning for the safety of themselves or their close relatives (including relocation), attending court hearings, counseling or medical, financial, or legal professional appointments, and accessing police services.
Employees, including casual and part-time workers, will be granted a new entitlement from next year. They will be able to access 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave in 12 months.
This is available for,
- The employees of non-small business employers on February 1, 2023 (employers with 15 or more employees on February 1, 2023)
- The employees of small business employers* on August 1, 2023 (employers with fewer than 15 employees on February 1, 2023).
* A small business employer is one with fewer than 15 employees at any given time. During that time, if the employer has 15 or more employees, they do not qualify for the small business employer category.
New paid family and domestic violence leave will be renewed for employees who begin to work on or after the paid leave entitlement become available. Also, they are entitled to the full 10 days’ paid leave from their first day. These leaves will be renewed by the work anniversary. Besides, employees who start work before the leave entitlement day, are entitled to the full 10 days’ leave on the relevant start date. Also, the leave is renewed on the anniversary of when they started working for that employer.
An employee must notify their employer if they are taking paid family and domestic violence leave. Then, the employer can ask for evidence to satisfy them of the claim. Also, the employer cannot use this information for other purposes, including taking adverse action against the employee.
For more information: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/leave/family-and-domestic-violence-leave/notice-and-evidence-for-family-and-domestic-violence-leave
