A Shorten Labor Government will make domestic and family violence leave a universal workplace right, to further support those suffering family and domestic violence in our community.

 

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics one in six Australian women have experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or former partner.

 

The trauma of domestic and family violence is often compounded by workplace and financial uncertainty.

 

Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty, has said

 

“The ability to maintain your employment, keep your job, it helps secure somewhere to live, it helps you to have that ongoing working contact with your colleagues, it’s a really important part of your journey.”

 

Domestic and family violence leave will benefit both those who have experienced violence as well as business through improved productivity, increased employee retention and reduced absenteeism.

 

Consider the time required in courts, meeting with lawyers, financial advisers, the school principal, counselling sessions for people who have experienced violence which is required in that pursuit of safety and justice.

 

Labor acknowledges the many employers that already provide domestic and family violence leave, including Telstra, NAB, Virgin Australia, IKEA and Blundstone Boots for their 1.6 million employees.

 

These employers have paved the way and helped reduce the stigma that often accompanies domestic violence.

 

Labor also acknowledges the contribution Australia’s unions have made in advocating for paid domestic and family violence leave.

 

A Shorten Labor Government will provide for five days paid domestic and family violence leave in the National Employment Standards (NES).

 

The National Employment Standards provide statutory minima for all employees covered by the national workplace relations system.

 

Consistent with Labor’s longstanding, cooperative approach to workplace relations, we will work with business, unions and other stakeholders to discuss the specific implementation arrangements for Labor’s plan.

 

Labor understands that the complexity of family and domestic violence requires a strategic approach by all levels of government, business, and the community.

 

Domestic and Family Violence leave is listed in Australia’s strategic framework, the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022 as a national priority to reducing the impact of family and domestic violence on women.

 

Labor calls on the Turnbull Liberal Government to support Labor’s commitment to domestic and family violence leave, which will be a pivotal part of people being able to remain in work as they strive for safety and justice.

 

For a copy of Labor’s policy please visit: http://www.alp.org.au/domesticviolenceleave

 

If you cover this story, or any story regarding violence against women and children, please include the following tagline:

*** If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000” ***

 

WEDNESDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 2015

 

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