NSW Labor will extend its domestic violence - paid leave policy to all workers in NSW if it wins the 2019 election.
Every worker in every workplace will be eligible to take 10 days (non-accumulative) paid domestic violence leave each year.
Blue Mountains Trish Doyle MP and NSW Opposition Leader in the Legislative Council Adam Searle met with local community organisations to outline the policy and how this will benefit victims of domestic violence in NSW.
Under the Fair Work Act as it stands now, only states can legislate leave rights for victims of crime, including domestic and family violence.
Trish Doyle, a domestic violence advocate, welcomed the announcement: “With one in three women victims of domestic violence in this state, this is a practical strategy that will assist women to get help for themselves and their children. Safe and secure housing and employment are two of the important pathways to safety. This will enable women to take leave to attend legal and medical appointments or look for alternative accommodation.
“Victims of domestic violence often still have to worry about the welfare of children, find a place to live, talk to police and hold down their jobs. This is an important measure to help – and the whole community needs to be involved.”
Adam Searle added: “NSW Labor will deliver a minimum of 10 days paid domestic violence leave as a universal right for all workers.
“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.”
‘By increasing paid domestic violence leave to workers in the public sector and extending it to workers in the private sector, NSW Labor is offering practical help to people at the most vulnerable time of their lives.
White Ribbon Ambassador Michael Farrell-Whelan said: "This is a wonderful initiative. Victims of domestic violence often need to remove themselves quickly from the situation. If their job is protected, women and children will have options and stability.”
