The Family and Domestic Violence Leave Bill adds one more paid entitlement to the National Employment Standards, replacing the previous unpaid entitlement.

From February 2023, employees (including Casuals) working for non-small business employers (employers with more than 15 employees) will receive 10 days of paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave (FDVL). Employees working for Small Business Employers will receive the same entitlement starting from August 2023. In the meantime, these employees can still access the previous unpaid entitlement of 5 days.

The leave can be taken to:

• making arrangements for a person's safety;
• attending court hearings;
• seeking and accessing support (including counselling or police service).

The 10 days are available upfront and must be renewed on the employee's work anniversary. The leave doesn't roll over from year to year. 

To protect the victims, the available leave balances cannot be displayed on the payslip and when taken, it must be displayed as either Ordinary Earnings or Miscellaneous Leave.

Set Up Family and Domestic Violence Leave

1. In Xero, go to Payroll > Payroll Settings
2. Select the [Pay Items] > [Leave] Tab
3. Click on [Add] > Paid Leave
   è  The Paid Leave screen opens
   
   
   
   
4. Select/Enter the following details:
   1. Leave Category > Select: Family and Domestic Violence Leave
   2. Leave Name > Type: Miscellaneous Leave
   3. Type of Units > Type: Hours
   4. Normal Entitlement > See table below
5. Click on [Add]

Allocate the Leave Type on the Employee's Profile

1. In Xero, go to Payroll > Employees
2. Open the Employee Contact and select the [Leave] Tab
   
   è  The Employee Leave Tab
   
   
   
   
3.  Click on [Assign Leave]
   
   è  The Assign Employee leave Screen opens
   
   
   
4. Select/Enter the following details:
   • Leave > Select: Miscellaneous Leave
   • Opening Balances > Enter the equivalent hours of 10 days per year for the employee
5. Click on [Save]
   

Top Up the Leave Accruals on the Employee's Anniversary

If the employee takes any days of Family and Domestic Violence Leave during the year, any time taken must be topped up on the employee's annual anniversary date. 

1. In Xero, go to Payroll > Employees
2. Open the Employee Contact and select the [Leave] Tab
   
   è  The Employee Leave Tab
   
   
   
   
3. Click on [New Request] > Leave
   
   è  The New leave request screen opens
   
   
   
   
4. Select/Enter the following details:
   • Leave Type > Select: Miscellaneous Leave
   • Description > Type: Family and Domestic Violence Leave Annual Top-up
   • Start/End Dates > Select the employee's anniversary date
   • Hours > Type the top-up hours in negative
5. Click on [Approve]