The New Rules For Paid Family And Domestic Violence Leave

Financial Advisory, Legal
April 11, 2023

Share via

Starting on February 1st, 2023, employees of larger employers in Australia now have a paid leave entitlement for Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave (FDVL). Meanwhile, employees of small employers (fewer than 15 employees) will have access to the same leave starting August 1st, 2023.

This article will discuss the eligibility criteria, proof requirements, and the importance of planning for increased payroll costs for the new FDVL entitlement.

Eligibility for Family and Domestic Violence Leave

This applies to all employees, permanent and casual
Leave is available as soon as an employee starts with an employer
Employees must inform the employer as quickly as possible about the need for FDVL and the expected length of leave
Close relatives include a spouse, partner, former partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, or sibling; or the child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling of a current or former spouse or partner, as well as Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal kinship relatives

Proof Requirements

The employer can ask for evidence such as police, court, or support service documents or a statutory declaration, even if the leave period is less than a day.

Paid FDVL Entitlement

Employees can access ten days of paid leave in 12 months
The total pay rate will apply as if the employee had worked as usual on the day of the leave
The leave does not roll over and accumulate

The Importance of Planning for Increased Payroll Costs

Since the new leave provision applies from day one of employment for all employees, employers should plan for the potential cost of the leave. While it’s unlikely that all employees will take this leave, preparing for the possible fees means you won’t get caught if you do have to pay FDV leave, particularly for casual workers.

The new entitlement rules for Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave provide support and protection to employees dealing with domestic violence or abuse. Employers should educate themselves on the eligibility criteria and proof requirements and plan for increased payroll costs to ensure they are prepared for the new entitlement.

Book a time with us if you’d like to start planning for payroll changes. Please email us at enquiries@afpaccounting.com.au or call (02) 7804 1849.

If you’re not actively managing your loan, chances are you’re paying more than you need to — and missing out on savings of $50 a week or more.

Whether it’s a mortgage, personal loan, or asset finance, small tweaks can unlock big savings. At AFP Finance & Loans, we’ve helped clients reduce repayments by over $2,600 a year — without changing their lifestyle or taking on more risk.

This article breaks down practical, proven ways to help you save around $50 each week on your repayments — and why working with a broker enables you to reach your goal of paying off your loan more easily.

1. Lower Your Rate

One of the simplest ways to save $50 a week is by securing a better interest rate. According to findings by PEXA, homeowners who refinanced to a new lender saved an average of $1,908 per year (nearly $37 per week) compared to just $384 annually for those who stayed with their original lender.

The kicker? Existing customers often pay 0.21% more than new customers. That small difference could mean an extra $70 each month on a $526k mortgage.

Refinancing through a trusted broker at AFP Finance & Loans ensures you’re not just accepting the status quo. We compare lenders, negotiate better terms, and help you avoid hidden costs.

Tip: If your rate drops, keep repayments the same to pay off your loan faster and save more in interest.

2. Switch to Weekly or Fortnightly Payments

Most people don’t realise they can make an extra month’s repayment each year just by switching from monthly to fortnightly payments.

If your lender calculates interest daily, this simple change can cut years off your loan and save thousands in interest.

While more frequent payments may not free up the whole $50 immediately, the compound savings are significant over time.

3. Use an Offset Account

Do you have savings sitting in a separate account? You could be missing an opportunity to save $50 each week in interest.

An offset account is a type of bank account linked to your loan. The balance in this account is used to offset the principal (the amount you still owe) — meaning the interest you pay is calculated on a reduced balance.

An offset account allows your money to shrink your loan amount, without locking your savings away. Funds remain fully accessible — but while they sit in the account, they’re actively working to lower the interest you pay (without any extra repayments).

For example, keeping $50,000 in offset on a 6% loan saves about $3,000 a year — or $57 a week — making every dollar work harder for you.

4. Cut Hidden and Ongoing Fees

Fees can quietly erode your savings. Annual package fees can range from $300 to $400, and monthly service fees still exist on many products.

By switching to a low-fee alternative or refinancing smartly, you could reduce your outgoings by $10–$15 a week. We review fee structures and recommend lenders who offer genuine value — not just teaser rates.

Why Work with a Broker?

From refinancing and rate shopping to offset structuring and fee analysis, you will be supported from start to settlement with AFP Finance and Loans. We’ll act on your behalf, comparing options and securing better terms.

With access to over 50 lenders on our accredited panel, AFP Finance & Loans assists clients with residential loans, commercial loans, personal loans, investment finance, and more. We do the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters to you.

How to Start Saving $50 a Week, Today

You came here to save $50 a week on your loan, and by now you should see it’s easier than it sounds.

Many people overpay without realising. However, with better advice and a few simple adjustments, you can lower costs, improve cash flow, and stay on track financially.

The next step? Get expert eyes on your current agreement. AFP Finance & Loans can help you reduce repayments, avoid fees, and structure your loan repayments to serve your goals.

Book your loan review today to put $50 a week back where it belongs: in your pocket.