Powerlink has been recognised for its adoption of a new paid leave guideline which provides 10 days of paid leave for employees who are victims of domestic violence.
Member for Kallangur Shane King, representing Minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark Bailey, joined Powerlink employees and representatives from the combined industry unions to acknowledge the importance of the new leave policy adopted by Powerlink.
“Domestic and family violence is an issue that impacts its victims not only at home, but also in the workplace,” Mr King said.
“I congratulate Powerlink on establishing a Domestic and Family Violence Guideline, which includes 10 days of paid leave each year for employees who are victims of domestic violence. We’re particularly pleased to be recognising Powerlink’s achievement in May as it is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
“Events happening this month provide an opportunity for all Queenslanders to be part of our important Not Now, Not Ever campaign.”
The Services Union’s Executive President Jennifer Thomas said unions had been strongly advocating for these leave provisions to be included in Awards, Enterprise Agreements and to become part of the National Employment Standards.
“Unions have drafted seven key principles required to be included in a paid domestic and family violence leave clause,” Ms Thomas said.
“Powerlink has met these principles and achieved a 7-star domestic and family violence guideline. We have presented Powerlink with a trophy and certificate to recognise this achievement.”
Powerlink Chief Executive Merryn York said the introduction of the new paid leave provisions was the result of strong collaboration between employees, unions and senior management at Powerlink.
“As an employer, we took the opportunity to send a strong message in regards to our position on domestic and family violence,” Ms York said.
“We want to ensure our employees are aware of the leave entitlements that are now available to them, and also that Powerlink can help them access counselling and support services if they are impacted."
" These entitlements and services are available to all Powerlink employees that may be personally affected by domestic violence.”
There are also a range of other services available across Queensland for those impacted by domestic violence. The Queensland Government’s Domestic Violence Link provides a full outline of contact information at www.qlddomesticviolencelink.org.au.
