BUSHFIRE RESPONSE

On top of usual daily demand, responded to 100+ ADDITIONAL NEW CONTACTS from individual members on the bushfire crisis engulfing NSW

The Association responded to an intense period of crisis impacting members from unparalleled bushfires destroying NSW. A vast majority of the enquiries (public and private) related to leave entitlements, and in some cases employers were providing advice or direction that seemed either illinformed or misrepresenting worker entitlements.

Members were provided advice and support for a number of scenarios, including: • workplaces evacuated and closed • unable to attend work due to road closures • unable to attend work because they were defending their homes • information on rights regarding volunteering during a declared emergency or providing assistance as members of the Australian

Defence Force Reserves • the evacuation of residents from an aged care facility • unable to attend work because they were managing the aftermath of bushfire destruction

In some cases, employers offered or directed employees to take annual leave, sick leave, rostered days off and leave without pay where employees were entitled to family and community services leave, special leave; natural disaster leave or some equivalent form of leave.