The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP
Minister for Social Services
Member for Kingston
The Hon Justine Elliot MP
Assistant Minister for Social Services
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence
Member for Richmond
Australians have sought out information on the Government’s paid family and domestic violence leave with more than 3500 downloads in six months of the Small Business, Big Impact: how to support employees experiencing family and domestic violence leave podcast.
The podcast seeks to engage a wider audience of Australians in the conversation on how small businesses can support and respond to employees at risk of or experiencing family and domestic violence.
All Australian employees – including casuals – can access 10 days paid leave each year. The podcast, released on 1 August 2023 and hosted by Gretel Killeen, aims to help small business administer the leave entitlement sensitively and lawfully, as well as allow information on trauma-informed responses and transitioning back to work.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth highlighted the important role Australian workplaces have in addressing and responding to family and domestic violence.
“We are committed to ensuring survivors of family and domestic violence receive the support they need in and outside of the workplace without risking their safety,” Minister Rishworth said.
“Our goal is to educate as many Australians as possible on the wide range of support services and entitlements available to them and their loved ones.”
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, said the podcast is not only an important educational tool for small businesses seeking guidance on Paid FDV leave, but for all Australians.
“Expanding the reach of the podcast will mean that young people, families and small business owners across Australia will learn more about family and domestic violence and the signs to look out for.”
“It’s important that we recognise our individual and collective roles in putting an end to family and domestic violence.”
Chief executive of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, Luke Achterstraat, said the podcast had helped small businesses to understand their obligations and provide support to their employees.
“Small businesses employ over five million people and are committed to ensuring their employees get the support they need in instances of domestic and family violence,” Mr Achterstraat said.
“The ‘Small Business, Big Impact’ podcast is an important resource for time-poor small businesses to better understand their obligations, but also how to provide support by having sensitive conversations, looking out for red flags, and promoting safe workplaces.
“Ultimately, supporting the victims of domestic violence requires collaboration and awareness across the community, and the podcast is an important part of this national conversation.”
The Small Business, Big Impact podcast is available on Acast website at https://shows.acast.com/small-business-big-impact and on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and a range of other podcast platforms.
