The Flinders University Australian Industrial Transformation Institute has released the report on its independent review into the operation of the amendments to the paid family and domestic violence leave (FDV leave) entitlement in the Fair Work Act 2009.
One of the key recommendations of the review is to harness the intelligence and advocacy of unions and employer representatives continue training and awareness-raising initiatives and report back to Government on progress and emerging barriers.
Early indications suggest that the paid FDV leave entitlement is working as intended and that the parameters of the entitlement are appropriate.
However, the full impacts of the paid FDV leave entitlement, particularly for small business, are not yet known. This is likely a result of low utilisation of the entitlement flowing from limited awareness among employees and employers.
Of the 1,437 employers surveyed, only 12% reported any instance of staff using the paid FDV leave entitlement. Only 58% of surveyed employers were aware of the new entitlement, with nearly 6 in 10 surveyed victim-survivors (59%), and nearly 8 in 10 of those employed on a casual basis (78%), not being aware of the existence of paid FDV leave.
Uncertainty and misconceptions about evidentiary requirements are a continuing concern for employers and employees, potentially leading to employees not requesting the entitlement when needed.
Small businesses continue to call for support with implementing the entitlement, with 40% of surveyed employers who had granted the paid FDV leave having difficulty sourcing clear guidance and 24% not understanding their obligations.
Read the full report here - Independent review of the operation of the paid family and domestic violence leave entitlement in the Fair Work Act 2009 (dewr.gov.au)