An expansion of the paid domestic violence leave provision will see public sector employees be able to access an extra 10 days of paid domestic violence leave, totalling 20 days paid family and domestic violence leave.  

The new enhanced leave entitlement has also been extended to now include casual employees. 

NSW Health employees can access up to 20 days paid domestic and family violence leave per calendar year, as well as being able to take the leave as part-days, single days or consecutive days.  

Domestic violence leave may be taken for the following purposes: 

• Seeking safe accommodation 
• Attending medical, legal, police or counselling appointments relating to experiences of family and domestic violence 
• Attending court and other legal proceedings relating to their experience of domestic and family violence 
• Organising alternative care or education arrangements for their children, or  
• Other related purposes approved by the agency head. 

Crucially to the application of the entitlement is the provision that victim-survivors do not need the DV leave approved by their employer in order access it. It also does not require all other leave entitlements to be exhausted before accessing it.  

NSWNMA General Secretary Shaye Candish welcomed the expansion of paid domestic violence leave and the inclusion of casual workers.  

“Domestic and family violence does not discriminate based on your hours of work, and it is great to see the NSW Government finally extending this essential leave entitlement to casual workers.” 

 “Being able to access paid domestic and family violence leave is essential so victim-survivors can make the necessary life arrangements that help them leave violent relationships.”