Huge change coming for Aussie workers

Domestic and family violence victims will be entitled to paid leave to escape a violent relationship and access support for recovery.

The new laws come into effect on Wednesday and will allow workers to access up to 10 days regardless of whether they are full-time, part-time or casual employees and it is paid at the worker’s full rate of pay.

Previously, victim-survivors were only entitled to five days of unpaid leave in relation to domestic and family violence.

Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke said the change was long overdue.

“Workers should never have to choose between their safety and wages,” Minister Burke said.

“Paid family and domestic violence leave is a workplace entitlement that will save lives.”

The changes kick in from February 1 for at least seven million employees in large and medium businesses across the country.

Meanwhile, employees at small businesses will be able to access the scheme from August 1 to give those employers time to adjust to the changes.

Small businesses will also have access to $3.4 million over four years to support their adjustment to the scheme.

The legislation also includes measures that prevent any mention of family and domestic violence leave on a pay slip.

ocial Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the move was as an “extra layer of support” for women and children experiencing violence.

“For a long time we’ve assumed family and domestic violence is something that just affects someone’s home life and is something that happens outside of the workplace. But we know it has a huge interface with work,” Ms Rishworth said.

“Employers have an increasingly important role here. The connection with work, the payment of wages, is really important in keeping stability in the lives of those experiencing violence when they are attempting to leave a domestic violence situation.”

Domestic Violence helplines