Casual workers will be entitled to the same paid domestic and family violence leave as permanent employees under new legislation due to be presented to parliament this week.
More than 11 millions of workers in Australia will benefit from access to 10 days of paid domestic and family violence leave every year, as the government plans to give small businesses six months to adjust to the policy.
The Albanese government will introduce the legislation on Thursday, making an amendment to the 2009 Fair Work Act to integrate the paid leave entitlement into the National Employment Standards.
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke said it was necessary for casual workers to be covered by the policy because women experiencing domestic and family violence are more likely to employed in casual work.
“Casual workers are not spared from family and domestic violence. In fact, women who are experiencing family and domestic violence are more likely to be employed in casual work,” Burke said in a statement.
“We cannot leave them behind. That’s why this has to be a universal entitlement. The union movement has fought hard for this through the Fair Work Commission. And some businesses have already done the right thing and established this entitlement.
“But we don’t want a system where some workers get paid leave and others don’t – it has to apply to everyone.”
The government’s legislation will see workers entitled to the 10 days of paid leave as soon as the scheme begins in February 2023. After consultation with small business groups, the government has said small business will not be subject to the changes until August 23.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the government wanted to prioritise the reform in the first week of parliament, signifying an early commitment to women’s safety.
“One woman dies in Australia every ten days at the hands of their current or former partner. That is unacceptable,” Rishworth said.
“We are prioritising this important legislation to increase paid leave for family and domestic violence and introducing it in the first sitting week. This shows our resolve to removing the barriers faced by those escaping violence.
“We don’t want to see the next generation of men and women grappling with this scourge of family and domestic violence.”
The new laws will mean people escaping domestic and family violence – mostly women and children – will have greater ability to leave abusive situations.
The reform comes after new research spearheaded by Anne Summers showed the impossible choice half a million women in Australia face between poverty and violence.
According to the report, single mothers with children under 18 are three times more likely to have had violent partners. Meanwhile, 275,000 women are still living with partners who had been or still were abusive.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.