MEDIA RELEASE – FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LEAVE INTRODUCED

Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate

Senator for Western Australia

MEDIA RELEASE

31 JANUARY 2023

FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LEAVE INTRODUCED

The Coalition welcomes the introduction of ten days paid family and domestic violence leave from tomorrow, legislation we supported when it passed through Parliament last year.

This legislation builds on the measures put in place by the former Coalition Government following the independent Fair Work Commission’s 2018 decision to grant five days of unpaid family and domestic violence leave to employees covered by a modern award.

In December 2018, the former Coalition Government passed historic legislation enshrining the five days unpaid family and domestic violence leave in the National Employment Standards.

Legislating in the National Employment Standards a right to unpaid family and domestic violence leave was an important step and part of the various measures put in place by the former Coalition Government to support family and domestic violence victims and address this issue.

The latest legislation providing for 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave was based on recommendations of the independent Fair Work Commission in May 2022, although it should be noted went significantly further than what was recommended by the Fair Work Commission.

During the passage of the Bill, the Opposition raised the concerns of small and family businesses and we were able to secure an amendment which means the effects of the legislation, including on the business community, will be reviewed after 12 months.

ENDS