AFCA announces 20 days domestic violence leave for employees

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has announced that it is set to implement enhancements to its family and domestic violence support policy – including up to 20 days of paid leave for workers.

A recent independent review into the paid family and domestic violence carried out by Flinders University concluded with the researchers identifying the leave as “life-changing”. These findings spurred the Albanese government into reaffirming its commitment to embedding the right to paid family and domestic violence leave.

“Since coming to government, we have been deeply committed to ending gender-based violence – we were proud to introduce paid domestic and family violence leave as some of our first legislation, and the independent review has demonstrated its life-changing impact,” said Minister for Women Katy Gallagher.

Now, the external dispute resolution company, AFCA, has announced its own significant strides in enhancing its family and domestic violence support policy. According to AFCA, changes will be made to improve and provide increased flexibility, confidentiality, and access to vital resources.

Included in these changes is the decision to offer up to 20 days of paid leave to employees experiencing domestic violence while also offering those requiring additional time off access to unlimited unpaid leave, “ensuring they have the flexibility needed to focus on their safety and recovery”.

“These aren’t just policies on paper – they are meaningful changes designed to support our people when they need it most,” said Mathew Paine, AFCA executive general manager for people and culture.

“We are committed to ensuring we do what we can to support any of our people who might experience the serious and significant impacts of family violence.”

As part of the changes, designated ‘safe places’ for the company’s workers and families have been introduced – allowing access to these spaces on weekends and outside of work hours.

“We are striving to ensure AFCA is not just a great place to work but also offers genuine support to our people when they need it,” said Paine.

Additionally, confidential contacts within the organisation’s people and culture teams will be made available for both internal and external support. A roll-out of internal training initiatives is also being implemented to improve awareness and foster a culture of understanding, awareness, and support across the company.

“We are proud to join other organisations [that] have taken these sorts of steps, and we hope our action provides an example for others,” said Paine.

According to the Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth, “paid family and domestic violence leave from work will save lives”.

“This entitlement will allow victim-survivors to take time off to keep themselves and their family safe, without losing their income or their jobs,” Minister Rishworth said.

“Everyone has a role to play to end violence against women and children. It’s vital that first responders and frontline workers have the right training and education about paid family and domestic leave so that they can best support victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.”