Key PointsSmall business employees will be entitled to 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave.Small businesses had an extra six months to adjust to the change.Similar rights were granted to more than seven million large or medium business workers, including casuals, in February.
This article contains references to family/domestic violence.
Small business employees will be entitled to 10 days of paid leave under new workplace changes.
When will the changes come into effect?
This brings them into line with the same rights granted in February to more than seven million Australians who work for large or medium businesses, including casuals.
Small businesses had an extra six months to adjust to the change in recognition they may not have had the capacity to make arrangements to administer the leave effectively.
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke said there was a need for the entitlement to be implemented across the board.
“No one should have to choose between their safety and their pay,” he said on Tuesday.
“Paid family and domestic violence leave is a workplace entitlement that will save lives.”
What does the law entail?
Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the measure would allow victims of family violence to take time off work without losing income or their job.
The government has provided a range of support and guidance in conjunction with the Fair Work Ombudsman to help small businesses understand their obligations and administer the leave entitlement sensitively and lawfully.
The government has also joined with Lifeline Australia to release a podcast on how businesses can support employees experiencing family and domestic violence.
Episodes involve host Gretel Killeen speaking with an expert guest discussing what constitutes family and domestic violence, the signs of someone experiencing this violence and how employers can talk about it with staff.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
In an emergency, call 000. The Men’s Referral Service, operated by No to Violence, can be contacted on 1300 766 491.
