Campbelltown Council has adopted an industry leading initiative to support staff experiencing domestic or family violence.
Mayor George Brticevic and United Services Union general secretary Graeme Kelly launched the internal council awareness campaign called No Shame in Reaching Out to educate staff on the support that is available to them.
Council staff have access to 15 days of paid leave each year to deal with issues resulting from domestic and family violence.
An employee who has agreed to support another person can take five days of paid leave.
They will also have access to advance funds which can be repaid in an agreed repayment plan.
The leave provisions significantly exceed those set out by the Fair Work Commission.
Mayor George Brticevic said council has a responsibility as community leaders to set an example on issues like domestic violence.
“Sadly, too many people in our society are affected by domestic violence,” Cr Brticevic said.
“We have introduced these industry leading provisions so that our staff have the support and time they need to work through any issues they may have,” he said.
“We will also provide training and hold activities to remove the stigma around asking for help and make sure our staff know about the support that is available to them.”
Mr Kelly said he was pleased the union and Campbelltown Council were able to work together to deliver a policy that supports members who face the scourge of domestic violence.
“Importantly, the policy also sets out support for our members who provide support to others who find themselves in this situation,” Mr Kelly said.
A working party of council staff and union representatives have also planned a variety of awareness, support and prevention initiatives as part of the campaign.
