How Do I Handle Defence Force Volunteer Leave?

Defence force volunteer leave is protected leave for qualifying service or training. It is normally not paid unless the employment agreement or employer policy says otherwise, and it is not deducted from annual holidays, sick leave, family violence leave, bereavement leave, or alternative holidays.

1. Confirm the written notice, service type, start date, expected duration, and whether the employer has agreed to any paid component.
2. If unpaid, record the absence as unpaid leave or reduce paid ordinary hours according to the pay setup.
3. If paid, use ordinary earnings or the employer's custom paid leave/pay item, and keep a note explaining the defence volunteer leave period.

Long service periods can affect job-protection and annual-holiday valuation questions. Escalate before changing anniversary dates, final pay, or historic pay assumptions.