A further decision in the Fair Work Commission’s Family and Domestic Violence Leave Case is reserved.

After the rejection of the ACTU’s claim for 10 days of paid domestic violence leave per employee per year, the Fair Work Commission called for submissions and scheduled further hearings to consider arguments about unpaid family and domestic violence leave entitlements. The Full Bench has reserved its decision on what form unpaid family and domestic leave entitlements should take in awards.

Issues considered at the latest round of hearings included:

• the quantum of unpaid leave;
• whether unpaid leave entitlements should accrue from year to year;
• notice and evidence requirements;
• how ‘family and domestic violence’ should be defined;
• the circumstances in which unpaid leave should be able to be taken;
• whether casuals should be entitled to unpaid leave; and
• confidentiality requirements.

If you would like more information about employee leave entitlements, please contact Ai Group’s Workplace Advice Service on 1300 55 66 77.

Alternatively, if you would like advice about developing a domestic violence policy, please contact your local employment, workplace and industrial lawyer in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Melbourne or Brisbane or email Ai Group Workplace Lawyers at info@aigroupworkplacelawyers.com.au.