Labor leader Luke Foley will introduce a Bill to NSW Parliament this week, which will make every employee eligible for paid domestic violence leave each year.
Labor’s Domestic Violence- Paid Leave policy will give every employee in both the public and private sectors the ability to take 10 days (non-accumulative) paid domestic leave each year.
Mr Foley was today joined by Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Adam Searle and Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jenny Aitchison, along with Natalie Lang from the Australian Services Union, Mark Morey from Unions NSW and Karen Willis from Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia who have been campaigning for the change to give every employee the universal right to paid domestic violence leave.
The domestic violence figures in Australia are astounding:
· On average, one woman a week is killed by her current or former partner;
· A woman killed by her partner is most likely to be killed in her home;
· Domestic and family violence is the principal cause of homelessness for women and their children;
· 1 in 4 children are exposed to domestic violence; and
· 2 in 5 assaults reported to police in 2016 were family or domestic violence-related.
Quotes attributable to NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley
“By introducing this Bill to State Parliament, NSW Labor is offering practical help to people at the most vulnerable time of their lives.
“This is an important measure to help while victims of domestic violence still have to worry about the welfare of their children, finding a place to live, talk to police as well as holding down their jobs.
“Both State and Federal Labor are committed to giving employees the right to take 10 days paid domestic violence leave, whether they’re working in the public or private sector.”
Quotes attributable to Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Adam Searle
“This Bill will deliver the universal right for all employees to take 10 days paid domestic violence leave.
“We know – from talking with women about their lived experience as well as research – that this is a crucial benefit for those who need space and time to escape domestic violence and get their lives back on track.”
Quotes attributable to Shadow Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jenny Aitchison
“Guaranteed paid leave from work is a major step for victims and survivors of domestic violence and this Bill ensures that 10 days paid leave will be accessible to every employee across both the public and private sectors.
“Everyone, including employers, needs to play a role in ensuring women and children are not left impoverished and homeless and survivors and victims can be reassured that accessing paid leave will not put their jobs at risk.
“Small business owners, big company CEOs get this, there is wide agreement across various industries we all have a part to play. Business is looking to government to show leadership in order to provide a level playing field that’s fair for all survivors and victims of domestic violence.”
