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Universal Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave Commences 1 February 2023

Jan 24, 2023


  • 2min

Universal Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave Commences 1 February 2023

Industry News
From 1 February 2023, employees can access 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave in a 12-month period.

Support services 1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. If you are worried about unhealthy, abusive or violent behaviour in any of your relationships, you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or through the online chat.

https://www.1800respect.org.au/
Family and domestic violence is not always physical or visible.
Key Points:
  • The new paid family and domestic violence leave is available to all employees – including casuals (who have accepted an offer to work, i.e. they have been rostered on)
  • Full-time, part-time and casual employees will be able to access 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave in a 12-month period. 
  • It won’t be pro-rated for part-time or casual employees – meaning it will be available in full for all employees
  • The full 10-day leave entitlement will be available upfront. It won’t accumulate from year to year if it’s not used
  • Employees will be paid at their full rate of pay for the hours they would have worked if they weren’t on leave
  • Employers need to keep a record of leave balances and any leave taken by employees. However, pay slips must not mention family and domestic violence leave, including any leave taken and leave balances, to reduce the risk to an employee’s safety when accessing the leave.


The leave will be available from:

  • 1 February 2023, for employees of non-small business employers (employers with 15 or more employees on 1 February 2023)
  • 1 August 2023, for employees of small business employers (employers with less than 15 employees on 1 February 2023). 
  • Employees will continue to be entitled to 5 days of unpaid family and domestic violence leave until they can access the new paid entitlement.


The new leave will be independently reviewed after 12 months to consider the impacts on small businesses, sole traders and people experiencing family and domestic violence.

  • Employees can use this leave if they need to do something that deals with the impacts of family and domestic violence, such as:
  • Making arrangements for their safety, or the safety of a close relative (including relocation)
  • Attending court hearings
  • Accessing police services
  • Attending counselling
  • Attending appointments with medical, financial or legal professionals


1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

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