Workers affected by family violence would get 10 days of paid leave a year under a plan developed by the federal opposition.
Labor’s social services spokeswoman Linda Burney is introducing a bill to parliament to get the ball rolling on the changes.
Ms Burney is urging the Morrison government to support the plan.
The paid leave would give people time to attend legal proceedings, counselling, medical and financial appointments, as well as to relocate.
The bill changes the Fair Work Act to replace the existing entitlement of five days unpaid leave.
Part-time and full-time employees would get their regular rate of pay covering their usual hours.
Casuals would get paid for the period they were rostered on, including any loadings.
The bill also acknowledges employee privacy is paramount, strengthening obligations on bosses to not disclose a worker has sought such leave.
“Information concerning an employee’s experience of family and domestic violence is sensitive and if mishandled can have adverse consequences for the employee,” the draft law says.
“Employers should consult with such employees regarding the handling of this information.”
Since late 2018, workers have had access to five days of unpaid domestic violence leave per year.
At the time, the coalition government argued it was sufficient as it was the minimum benchmark recommended by the Fair Work Commission.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
