Labor extends paid domestic leave policy

And Federal Labor has also committed to the policy, with opposition leader Bill Shorten making the announcement at a recent White Ribbon Day event.

Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle, who has been outspoken on domestic violence, welcomed the announcement.

“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.”

Federal MP for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, agreed.

“We know that in a lot of cases a key reason women don’t leave a violent relationship is because they’re worried about how they will survive financially and how they’ll support their children. They’re worried about being able to keep a roof over their head.

“If a woman needs to take time off work to do things like go to court, receive medical treatment or help children move schools, she should be able to count on being able to keep receiving that very important pay cheque.”

In 2017 alone, domestic violence has taken the lives of 45 women.

“Many good employers – large ones like IKEA and Qantas, and small businesses - are already providing leave to women facing domestic violence, but it’s not enough to leave it to the goodwill of an employer,” Ms Templeman said.

“I am proud to be a part of a party that is committed to ending violence against women.”

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.”