Jury service
Employers are required to continue to pay employees their normal wages or salary when they are summonsed to attend court as a juror or witness.
There are significant penalties that apply if an employer refuses to pay or acts in a detrimental way to an employee undertaking jury duty.
Employers can apply for reimbursement of lost income when an employee is doing jury duty.
For further information visit the Department of Justice website.
Defence reserve service
It is mandatory for employers to release employees who are members of the Reserve to undertake defence service, including service training. It is an offence under the federal Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act for an employer to dismiss or otherwise disadvantage an employee for undertaking Reserve service.
Where there are no award entitlements to defence reserve service, Reservists can request to use their leave entitlements during the period of absence, but they cannot be compelled to do so by the employer.
Employers may be eligible for financial assistance to offset the costs of releasing employees on defence reserve service.
The Australian Government Office of Reserve Service Protection can provide advice on legal obligations and entitlements, assist in resolving complaints and negotiate workable solutions to meet Defence Force requirements.
