The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP
Minister for Social Services
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Member for Kingston
Senator the Hon Murray Watt
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
Senator for Queensland
Today marks the second-year anniversary of the Albanese Labor Government's introduction of paid family and domestic violence leave.
Labor believes no one should ever have to choose between their job or their safety.
As one of the first acts of our Government, Labor ensured all 12.4 million workers in Australia - including casuals - received a minimum legislated entitlement of up to 10 days of paid leave each year.
Violence against women and children is a problem of epidemic proportions in Australia. One in three women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and one in five has experienced sexual violence.
An independent statutory review into the operation of paid family and domestic violence leave conducted by Flinders University found it is succeeding in supporting the financial security of those escaping or experiencing violence, without jeopardising their income or employment.
The review found that of the victim-survivors who had taken paid family and domestic violence leave, 91 per cent surveyed said it helped them maintain their income, and 89 per cent said it helped them to retain their employment, with 41 per cent of victim-survivors using the leave to arrange for their safety, 43 per cent to arrange for their children's safety, 39 per cent to access police services, 22 per cent to access medical services, and 24 per cent to access legal services.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said legislating paid family and domestic violence leave was a milestone achievement which has saved and changed lives.
"We know from our many consultations with victim-survivors just how difficult it can be to leave violent situations - and financial means should not be a barrier to safety," Minister Rishworth said.
"This entitlement allows people who are working full-time, part-time and casually in Australia to make arrangements to support their safety, and the safety of their families, without fear of losing their jobs or income.
"We refuse to be a country where people have to sacrifice their safety for a wage. Our legislated 10 days of paid FDV leave provides all employees who are experiencing family and domestic violence the opportunity to build a better life for themselves, free from violence."
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Senator Murray Watt said these changes are an important step towards making sure workers no longer have to choose between their pay and safety.
"This change meant for the first time, all Australian employees - including casuals - can access 10 days paid leave each year when impacted by family and domestic violence," Minister Watt said.
"This critical leave entitlement ensures workers can maintain their financial independence through what is an incredibly difficult and terrifying time in their lives and it saves lives.
"But this entitlement is under threat from Peter Dutton and the Coalition, with Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Michaelia Cash claiming it's a 'perverse disincentive' to employers hiring women.
"Peter Dutton and Michaelia Cash need to tell Australians whether paid family and domestic violence leave will be part of the "targeted set of repeals" of workplace laws they've promised to take to the election."
The Government gave small businesses additional time to adjust to the payment and invested $3.4 million to support the creation and updating of resources on paid FDV leave, including those specifically for small business.
Paid FDV leave is one of many actions the Government has taken to address family and domestic violence. All governments have committed to ending gender-based violence in one generation under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-32, supported by Government investment of $4 billion.
