Natural disaster and emergency frequently asked questions

Premier David Crisafulli's announcement on Tropical Cyclone Alfred this morning means Fair Work's definition of severe weather now allows practices to include a stand down option. 

Please find more information here: Pay during inclement or severe weather and natural disasters - Fair Work Ombudsman

What is temporary closure?
As a result of a natural disaster such as pandemic, bushfire, severe rainfall, damaging winds, heatwave or drought, the practice may temporarily close for a period of time, if it is deemed unsafe to remain open.

What to consider before temporarily closing?
If the practice has multiple worksites and not all sites are affected, consider sharing arrangements (for example, employees at a non-affected site may be on leave or volunteer to take leave). Where appropriate, consider flexible arrangements, like working from home or another location.

Do the staff still attend work?
Due to the practice closure, your team may not be able to be usefully employed at this time so cannot attend the practice to work.

How do we inform them?
Ensure you have all staff details up-to-date, including phone number and email. Keep regular contact with employees through the various communication methods available to you and ensure they know they are being supported during this time.

Do we pay staff during this time?
There are options available for consideration during this time, including:

• inviting employees to take a period of accrued leave (such as annual leave)
• requiring employees to take annual leave if their award of agreement allows 
• consider flexible arrangement like working from home if appropriate.

What if a member of staff has no accrued annual leave to access?
If the employee has not accrued enough leave entitlements, there is an option to pay annual leave in advance or Leave Without Pay. Just a reminder that employees will not accrue annual leave on Leave Without Pay so should be used as a last resort.

Can an employee use any accrued personal/carers leave?
If an employee (other than casual employees) is affected by a natural disaster or emergency, they may be entitled to take paid personal/carers leave. Employees are entitled to accrued paid leave if they have been deemed unfit to work due to an illness or injury or they need to care or support to an immediate family or household member due to illness, injury or in the event of an unexpected emergency caused by the natural disaster.

Employees who have used all of their accrued person/carer’s leave entitlements are entitled to two days unpaid carer’s leave per occasion. This includes casual employees who may need to care for their child while childcare is closed.

Are there any other payments that can be accessed?
If a member of your team has been adversely impacted by a natural disaster or event, they may be eligible for one-off financial support. The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (DRP) is a one-off, non-means tested payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children who have been adversely affected by a major disaster either in Australia or overseas. They can claim this online through their myGov account which is linked to Centrelink. They can also contact them on 1800 22 66 to help claim this payment if they are eligible.

What if an employee wants to assist with disaster-relief activities?
Only employees who are members of a recognised emergency management body, such as the SES are entitled to take unpaid community service leave. Under the NES the amount of time is not specified however, it should be sufficient time to engage in the activity, reasonable travel time associated with the activity and reasonable rest time immediately following the activity.

How will employees be communicated with during a natural disaster?
The practice should outline in preparation for the disaster or emergency the way in which they will be communicating with staff. Initially this might be by email and then move to text as soon as possible after the event. Progressing on from there will be dependent on available resources, for example power. 

What if the practice can re-open but a member of staff can still not attend work?
If the practice is open but employees are unable to work due to natural disaster, then it is at your discretion which leave you ask them to take. It could be annual leave or personal/carers leave.

If you have been affected by a natural disaster, support is available.

The following links provide further information on available support from government and other agencies.
Australian Government Disaster Assist – or call 1800 22 66.
Recovery after a disaster – or call 1800 173 349.
Information on Workplace Rights – or call 13 13 94.
Services Australia (Centrelink) –  or call 1300 169 468.
Lifeline – or call 13 11 14.
Beyond Blue – or call 1300 224 636.