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Supporting our people experiencing family and domestic violence

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The health and safety of our employees underpins everything we do at the CIMIC Group. It is fundamental to the way we operate.

As part of this commitment, we have developed a new policy and Group-wide program which aims to provide support to all employees and their families experiencing family and domestic violence.

Our new Family and Domestic Violence Policy applies to all eligible employees of CIMIC Group Limited and entities it controls (the Group).

The policy provides the following support:

  • Family and domestic violence leave - all employees are entitled up to ten days’ paid family and domestic violence leave each year (in certain circumstances, more days may be approved)
  • Flexible working arrangements - the Group will provide employees experiencing family and domestic violence with access to flexible working arrangements when possible and appropriate as set out in the Group Flexible Working Policy
  • Access to counselling - the Group offers access to the confidential 24/7 Employee Assistance Provider to all employees and their immediate family members - free and confidential support services through face-to-face, telephone and online counselling
  • Access to support services – our confidential Employee Assistance Provider partner can assist with referral to support services including:
  • emergency/safe house accommodation 
  • financial advice 
  • legal and court support services
  • specialist counselling for trauma, children and relationships
  • practical assistance, via non-government organisations or charities, such as donations of furniture, baby items or monetary contributions towards school fees/uniforms
  • community support (local based support groups for people experiencing family and domestic violence)
  • education programs (for example programs on healthy relationships, positive self-esteem, parenting programs)
  • behavioural change programs.

All disclosures will be treated with confidentiality in accordance with the Group’s Privacy Policy. The Group will take steps to ensure information concerning any notice an employee has given, or evidence an employee has provided in relation to family and domestic violence is treated confidentially, as is reasonably practicable to do so.

Stand up, speak out, seek support 

This month, across the CIMIC Group we're acknowledging two important initiatives as part of our commitment to safety at work and home: the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. 

During these days and beyond, you can show your support by helping to raise awareness of the assistance available for our people experiencing family and domestic violence.

Who can I contact if I need support?

If you are experiencing family and domestic violence and need support, discuss it at the earliest opportunity with your supervisor/manager, human resource manager or safety leader.    

In some circumstances, you may prefer to speak to someone other than your supervisor/manager and if so, you can contact our confidential Employee Assistance Provider 24/7.

To do so, please contact Gryphon Psychology 1800 056 076 in Australia, +61 7 4953 5499 internationally, or book online at www.gryphonpsych.com.au or download the App: Gryphon Psychology EAP – free from iTunes and Android stores.

What should I do if a concern is raised with me?

If you are a manager, supervisor, or lead team members you may have a request for family and domestic violence support raised with you, and you need to be aware of your obligations under our policy.

The manager’s responsibilities in an family and domestic violence disclosure can be summarised as follows:

  • Liaise privately with the employee in a sensitive and proactive way, discussing the employee’s immediate safety within the workplace and home, and matters such as leave and flexible work arrangements.
  • Affirm the employee’s desire for support and refer the employee to the Employee Assistance Program.
  • Maintain confidentiality except to the extent that disclosure is required by law or is necessary to protect the life, health or safety of the employee or another person.
  • Keep a confidential and secure record of the amount of leave taken.
  • Refer to human resources or safety leader for additional support and advice.
  • If the employee is any immediate danger call the police.

More information

Go to our intranet to read more about our Family and Domestic Violence Policy.

Toolbox talks will be conducted in each of our operating companies in coming months.

The following community and frontline services offer specialist family and domestic violence support:

  • Police and Ambulance on phone 000 (immediate safety issue)
  • 1800RESPECT
  • 24-hour Domestic Violence Line on phone 1800 656 463
  • Lifeline (24 hour) on phone 131 114
  • Child Abuse Prevention Service (24 hour) on phone 1800 688 009
  • Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
  • Relationships Australia 1300 364 277
  • Rape Crisis (24 hour) on phone 1800 424 017.

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