Domestic violence victims to get five days unpaid leave a year

Domestic violence victims will be entitled to five days of unpaid leave a year, the Fair Work Commission has ruled.

The leave will cover workers affected by family or domestic violence and who work under a modern award.

The full bench of the Commission said the leave will help those who can’t manage with the impacts of domestic violence outside normal hours of work.

For example, the need to meet with lawyers or police, or to attend urgent court matters, or arrange safe accommodation, or to look after children.

Domestic violence victims get unpaid leave

The Australian Council of Trade Unions wanted 10 days of paid leave, however, the Commission ruled that unnecessary.

ACTU secretary Sally McManus said the decision won’t help desperate women who have nowhere to go.

“Millions of workers have been denied their rights today as a result of this broken Fair Work Commission decision.

“It’s completely unacceptable that women have to choose between abuse and protecting their children and keeping their job.”

The five days leave will not accrue and will instead reset at the end of the 12-month period.

Business groups welcome decision

Innes Willox, chief executive of the Australian Industry Group, welcomed the “measured” decision.

He said employers are normally compassionate to staff who are victims of domestic violence.

“While different employers have different capacities to provide assistance to employees experiencing domestic violence, most employers are not likely to experience problems with what the commission has decided.”

---

If you are experiencing domestic violence, there is help and support available:

Lifeline on 13 11 44  or RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

If you are in immediate danger – call the police on 000.

---

Measures deserve community support

Meanwhile, Miles Heffernan from IR Claims said measures designed to help those who suffer the hideous crime of domestic or family abuse deserve the community’s support.

“Anything we can do to ensure women, and men, can continue to participate in the workforce, while helping them manage a difficult situations in their home life is a good thing,” he said.

The Fair Work Commission said it will review the new domestic violence leave arrangements after three years to see if they need any adjustment.

It said it will also consider changing the leave from unpaid to paid.

---