From 1 August 2018, modern awards will be varied to give employees access to 5 days of unpaid family and domestic violence leave each year.
The leave can be taken by employees to deal with the impact of family and domestic violence. This includes (but isn’t limited to) taking time to:
• make arrangements for their safety, or the safety of a family member;
• attend court hearings;
• access police services.
This entitlement applies to all employees (including casuals) who are covered by an industry or occupation based award.
In March, Australia's Fair Work Commission voted to allow five days' unpaid leave for domestic violence victims but turned down a union proposal to introduce 10 paid days.
