Improved leave

CHANGES to the administration and availability of compassionate leave and carer’s leave have made things simpler for service members and their families.

Carer’s leave has been separated from compassionate leave. Members can now take up to five working days a year of carer’s leave to look after their dependants when they are ill.

The criteria for approving carer’s leave have not changed, however members will be able to take compassionate leave without using their carer’s leave. Similarly, a member who takes carer’s leave will still have compassionate leave available if a close relative becomes seriously ill or dies.

COs and supervisors of the rank of major or above can also approve more than five days compassionate leave.

For more information, visit the ADF Pay and Conditions web site at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/pac or http://www.defence.gov.au/dpe/pac. Details can be found in Pacmate, Vol 1, Ch5, Pt7.