Worker entitlements extended

THE Federal Government has welcomed the first day of family and domestic violence leave for up to 2.3 million workers, while committing to extend the entitlement to a further six million workers.

This follows a decision by the independent Fair Work Commission in March to provide five days of unpaid family and domestic violence leave per year to workers on modern awards.

Small and Family Business and Workplace Minister Craig Laundy said the government would ensure more than eight million workers covered by the Fair Work Act would have access to the same entitlement.

Mr Laundy said legislation would be introduced as soon as possible to amend the Fair Work Act to incorporate the new leave provision, in line with the final model clause issued by the Fair Work Commission on July 6.

The Fair Work Commission will look at the issue of family and domestic leave again in June 2021, including whether provision should be made for paid family and domestic violence leave in modern awards.