Public servant offenders eligible for paid DV leave

WIFE bashers are getting paid to take “DV leave’’, under a public service policy granting taxpayer-funded time off to perpetrators as well as victims.

WIFE bashers are getting paid to take “DV leave’’, under a public service policy granting taxpayer-funded time off to perpetrators as well as victims.

Queensland’s Public Service Commission (QPSC) has revealed that domestic violence offenders may be eligible for Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) leave.

Commission chief executive Robert Setter said support is provided to victims, carers and bystanders – as well as “employees who use or may use ­violence and abuse, where appropriate’’.

“This includes a minimum of 10 days leave, confidential counselling from employee assistance providers, flexible work arrangements, and other workplace and role adjustments,’’ he said.

Mr Setter said the public service does not record how much DFV leave is taken each year, “to ensure and maintain employee safety and confidentiality’’.

“There is currently no whole-of-government mechanisms in place to accurately record leave accessed,’’ he said.

“This is to reassure employees that they can seek a range of support options, including DFV leave, and be confident that applications would not be identified for their safety.’’

A QPSC spokeswoman said yesterday that paid leave is granted to perpetrators on a case-by-case basis, “for example to receive counselling to address their behaviour’’.

She said victim safety was the “core priority of all responses to those who use or may use violence and abuse’’.

Child safety crusader Hetty Johnston, who founded Bravehearts, demanded the Government make perpetrators provide evidence of counselling during paid leave.

“What are they doing with their taxpayer-paid time off?’’ she said yesterday.

“They have to demonstrate they are doing something to help themselves, and not out there harming their partners.

“The Government needs to track this, because without accountability it will get rorted, and be taken advantage of by the very wrong people.’’

The State Government’s DFV policy says offenders should not be referred to as “perpetrators’’, but as an “employee who uses or may use ­violence and abuse’’.

“This terminology supports a non-judgmental focus on an employee’s positive behaviour change, where this is appropriate,’’ it states. “Everyone has the right to feel safe and supported in the workplace.”

Mr Setter said domestic violence convictions were not always an “indictable offence’’ that public servants are required to report to bosses.

If you or someone you know needs help, call DV Connect 1800 811 811 or Mensline 1300 789 978