Millions of full-time, part-time, and casual employees now have the right to access ten days of paid family and domestic violence leave per year. This extends to all family members who currently hold down a job.
For small businesses with less than 15 employees, this entitlement will start from August 1st. This gives an extra six months to adjust to the changes. Until then, these workers have access to five days of unpaid domestic violence leave.
“Workers should never have to choose between their safety and wages. Paid family and domestic violence leave is a workplace entitlement that will save lives,” Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke said.
“The measure will allow victims of family violence to take time off work without losing income and without losing their jobs.”
This new paid leave follows the passing of the law established last year, replacing five days of unpaid family and domestic violence leave under the National Employment Standards.
How The Paid Family And Domestic Violence Leave Works
Full and part-time employees can take paid leave for hours they would have worked if they weren’t on leave. Casual employees will be paid at their full pay rate for the hours they were rostered to work.
This pay rate includes the base rate plus any incentive-based payments and bonuses, loadings, monetary allowances, penalty rates, or overtime.
Payslips are not to mention the paid family and domestic violence leave, including any leave taken and the remaining balance.
Employees are entitled to the leave up front, so it won’t work on an accrual basis. However, it doesn’t carry over from year to year.
Leave can be taken if employees need to make arrangements for their safety or the safety of a close relative, be present at court hearings, access police services, go to counselling, or attend appointments with medical, financial, or legal professionals.
Helplines
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the police on 000.
If it’s not an emergency and you need support, the West Australian Government has compiled a list of helplines you can call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
1800RESPECT National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service is a national telephone and online counselling and referral service. Call on 1800 737 732.
Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline provides support for women, with or without children, who are experiencing family and domestic violence in Western Australia (including referrals to women’s refuges). Phone 1800 007 339.
Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline provides telephone information and referrals for men concerned about their violent and abusive behaviours and male victims of family and domestic violence in Western Australia. Call 1800 000 599.
Crisis Care gives Western Australians after-hours response to reported concerns for a child’s safety and well-being. They also provide information and referrals for people experiencing a crisis. Phone 1800 199 008.
MensLine Australia gives 24/7 support for men and boys dealing with family and relationship difficulties. Support is given to men concerned that their behaviour is hurting the people they care about. Phone 1300 789 978.
Sexual Assault Resource Centre provides free services to people affected by sexual violence. Call (08) 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888.
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