Did you know ACU provides paid leave for staff who are involved in community and emergency service activities?
This includes staff who volunteered with the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Services or Army Reserve during the recent bushfire emergencies. Read on for more information about the Community and Emergency Services Leave Policy.
What is the Community and Emergency Services Leave Policy?
The Community and Emergency Services Leave Policy provides staff with paid leave to participate in community and emergency services activities.
In response to the significant bushfire emergency impacting many Australians this summer, ACU has revised its Community and Emergency Services Leave Policy and enhanced staff leave benefits.
ACU matches and in some circumstances exceeds the Australian Government's commitment to provide 20 days of paid leave for volunteers through community service and emergency services leave,
Who can apply for Community and Emergency Services Leave?
Community and emergency services leave is available to continuing and fixed-term staff who are involved in activities including:
- jury service
- court appearances (where the staff member has been subpoenaed to appear as a witness for the Crown)
- firefighting and emergency assistance
- volunteering in a government-declared State of Emergency
- leave to contest elections
- blood donation
- attendance at arbitration proceedings
- community service contributions, including representation at major cultural, social and sporting events.
What are my responsibilities?
Before applying for leave you should discuss your plans with your supervisor. If you wish to apply for Community and Emergency Services Leave you must do so via Staff Connect and upload any relevant supporting documentation with your application.
What are my supervisor’s responsibilities?
Your supervisor is responsible for reviewing your application including any supporting documentation for Community and Emergency Services Leave via Staff Connect and approving or declining your request. Your supervisor may clarify or seek additional supporting documentation. If your request is declined your supervisor must advise you of the reason for this decision.
How to apply for community and emergency services leave
You can apply for community and emergency services leave via Staff Connect. Visit Service Central for instructions on how to apply for leave.
More information