Updates

Expansion of entitlement to family and domestic violence leave

The House of Representatives recently passed the Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2022, which proposes to amend the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) to include 10 days’ paid family and domestic violence leave for full-time, part-time, and casual employees in each 12-month period. The current entitlement under the National Employment Standards is five days unpaid family and domestic violence leave in each 12-month period.

The bill also proposes to extend the definition of family and domestic violence to include violent, threatening, or abusive behaviour by a current or former intimate partner of an employee, or a member of an employee’s household.

The bill is expected to become law when the Senate passes it later this year. The new paid entitlement is proposed to take effect from 1 February 2023 for non-small business employers, and from 1 August 2023 for small business employers.

Access Justice Connect resources on employee entitlements and protections for more information.