Ten days paid domestic violence leave becomes law in Australia

The federal government has passed legislation to enshrine 10 days’ paid family and domestic violence leave for all workers.

The entitlement will be available for most employees from 1 February 2023, but small businesses will have an extra six months to adjust to the change.

Changes to the Fair Work Act

The Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2022 amends the the Fair Work Act 2009 to:

1. replace the current entitlement in the National Employment Standards to five days of unpaid family and domestic violence leave in a 12-month period with an entitlement to ten days of paid leave for full-time, part-time and casual employees;
2. extend the definition of family and domestic violence to include conduct of a current or former intimate partner of an employee, or a member of an employee’s household; and
3. extend the entitlement to paid family and domestic violence leave to non-national system employees once the International Labour Organization Convention on Violence and Harassment (No. 190) comes into force for Australia.

Need help with sexual assault, domestic or family violence?

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au

In an emergency, call 000.

Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence, call 1300 766 491 or visit https://ntv.org.au/get-help/