Government welcomes first day of family and domestic violence leave

The Turnbull Government has today welcomed the first day of family and domestic violence leave for up to 2.3 million workers, while committing to extend the entitlement to a further six million workers.

This follows a decision by the independent Fair Work Commission on 26 March 2018 to provide five days of unpaid family and domestic violence leave per year to workers on modern awards.

Minister for Small and Family Business, the Workplace and Deregulation, Craig Laundy, said the Government will ensure more than eight million workers covered by the Fair Work Act will have access to the same entitlement.

Minister Laundy said legislation will be introduced as soon as possible to amend the Fair Work Act to incorporate this new leave provision, in line with the final model clause issued by the Fair Work Commission on 6 July 2018.

The Fair Work Commission will look at the issue of family and domestic leave again in June 2021, including whether provision should be made for paid family and domestic violence leave in modern awards.

The Government recognises that many employers already provide additional support, including paid leave, to employees experiencing family and domestic violence. We encourage other employers to follow their lead.

Addressing domestic violence has been a priority of this Government since we were elected in 2013.

The Minister for Women, Kelly O’Dwyer MP, said the Turnbull Government has zero tolerance for violence against women and children. Women have the right to be safe in their homes, in their workplaces and in their communities and the Turnbull Government has committed well in excess of $300 million to measures to address this important issue.

This includes the Government’s $100 million Women’s Safety Package and the additional $100 million investment made under the Third Action Plan continue to protect women and children through expanded frontline services and delivery of new prevention strategies.

As part of this, we are establishing a one-stop shop of resources for employers and employees to support employees experiencing family and domestic violence, which will be released in the first half of 2019.