Victim-survivors of family and domestic violence say paid leave has allowed them to maintain their income while accessing crucial supports, but limited awareness has meant some have gone without the entitlement.
An independent review examined the rollout of Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave which allows full-time, part-time and casual employees access to 10 days of paid leave each year.
The Flinders University study found the first year of the entitlement was a success but recommended greater education about the scheme for both employers and employees.
Of those who accessed the leave, 91 per cent surveyed said it had helped them maintain their income and they would recommend it to others.
The majority used the entitlement to secure their safety and that of their family, with 39 per cent using the leave to access police and more than 20 per cent to access either medical or legal support.
In a submission to the review, the Australian Council of Trade Unions referenced the case of a mental health nurse who was able to access the leave to exit an abusive relationship and set up in a new home.
The Australian Services Union said its members had noticed a significant improvement in workplace culture since the change, with more open conversations about supports.
Leave underutilised as small business flags concerns
Women's Legal Services Australia recommended a public education campaign to increase awareness and utilisation of the scheme.
"Unless there are active efforts by government to raise awareness of paid FDV leave through an awareness raising campaign, we expect that there will continue to be a low level of awareness of paid FDV leave," it said in a written submission.
Employer organisations and unions echoed that call.
The ACTU shared the experience of a public sector employee who, despite informing three managers she was experiencing domestic violence, was offered no information about her entitlement to 10 days paid leave.
Casual workers reported a more acute fear of adverse repercussions if they sought to access the leave.
While more than three quarters of employers surveyed were supportive of the new legislation, small business groups expressed concern about their ability to pay for the entitlement.
The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) argued for a part or full funded government scheme.
The review responded by pointing to a specific website to assist small businesses to navigate the changes but noted the impact on small business of significant workplace reform in this term of government.
It recommended a revision of government resources to better address small business concerns.
One of those areas of concern was evidence requirements to access the leave.
The Fair Work Act allows employers to require evidence before granting the leave, while employers are not required to exercise that right.
Of those surveyed half of those who access the leave said they faced difficulties in gathering evidence.
COSBOA said both employers and employees had faced challenges in determining appropriate evidence requirements.
The review found despite those concerns the requirements had not prevented the majority from accessing the scheme.
The federal government said it would carefully review the recommendations.
Employment Minister Murray Watt said the review showed the legislation was working as intended by ensuring workers don't have to choose between safety and getting paid.
"Financial independence is critical in helping women to leave or respond to violence, and this entitlement saves lives, plain and simple," he said.
Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said the government was determined to reduce the incidence of family and domestic violence and support victim-survivors.
"We want to ensure that women are not trapped in a violent relationship because they can't afford to leave."
