At QA, the safety of our employees and their families is paramount.  As part of our broader QA Life program, we have introduced our Domestic & Family Violence (DFV) support package that includes up to 10 days of paid DFV leave per year.  Recognising that employees may need additional support through this difficult time, we have also taken a more proactive approach through the introduction of a personalised package of support.  

The QA Support Package includes:

• Financial assistance with interim accommodation;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Support to help arrive at and leave work safely through workplace safety plans;
• 24/7 access to free and confidential counselling through our Employee Assistance Program;
• A daily allowance for ad-hoc expenses;
• Financial assistance with relocation costs;
• Loans to assist with bond and rent with repayments made via deductions from salary over an agreed period.

"People experiencing domestic and family violence often require time off for a variety of reasons that can include finding alternate and safe accommodation at short notice, seeking medical treatment and legal advice and attending court proceedings," says Managing Director, Sergio Floyd.  "We wanted to make sure there were no restrictions to employees being able to support themselves and their families through this difficult period."

While welcoming the new legal provision for unpaid leave, "offering a comprehensive financial support package that will hopefully make it easier for employees to leave abusive situations was a key driver for us" he says. 

"While providing immediate financial support for interim alternative accommodation, relocation costs and daily allowances, it is also important to offer employees counselling through our Employee Assistance Program and implementing workplace safety plans to ensure their safety.  We believe this will truly assist those through such a traumatic time.

We don't believe anyone should have to choose between the safety of themselves and their families and keeping their job and financial security.  Although we hope that no one will need to use the package, we want to ensure that by knowing that it is available, our employees will feel even safer and supported.  We continuously strive for an engaging, open and safe working environment with a family feel and aim to introduce programs and benefits that provide for this."

The Domestic & Family Violence Support Package is a new addition to the innovative employee benefits that we provide to our QA family which includes our unlimited paid annual leave policy, which has seen a 50% reduction in sick leave over the past year.  Other benefits include a $2000 Training & Development Budget for all staff each year and an Employee Profit Share Scheme. 

For further information or media enquiries, please contact our Corporate Services Manager, Milly Freestone at milly.freestone@quintonanthony.com. 

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