Summary

14.1 This chapter provides an overview of Commonwealth employment law and, together with Chapters 15–17, examines possible options for reform to employment-related legislative, regulatory and administrative frameworks to improve the safety of people experiencing family violence. The chapter examines the relevance of family violence to the employment law system; issues associated with disclosure of family violence—including verification of family violence and privacy issues; the need for national initiatives which address family violence in the context of employment; and associated reforms to data collection.

14.2 The ALRC’s key proposal is that the Australian Government should initiate a national education and awareness campaign around family violence in the employment context. The ALRC also proposes that the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner should develop a model privacy policy and guidance material in relation to family violence-related personal information. With respect to data collection, the ALRC considers the possible roles that Fair Work Australia should play in considering the effect of family violence on the employment of those experiencing family violence in relation to the National Employment Standards, enterprise agreements and individual flexibility arrangements.