The changes will see the Fair Work Act amended to offer an entitlement to unpaid family and domestic violence leave in the National Employment Standards.
The FWA covers six million Australian employees, including those working full-time, casually and part-time.
BREAKING: The Coalition Government has passed historic legislation to enshrine family and domestic violence leave as a workplace right in the National Employment Standards for the first time. #auspol pic.twitter.com/XqD2z1XpM4
— Kelly O’Dwyer (@KellyODwyer) December 6, 2018
Minister for Women Kelly O’Dwyer told reporters “there is always more than we can do,” and promised the change wont be the last to come from the Coalition to support domestic violence victims.
In a press release, O’Dwyer said: “Regardless of the basis of their employment or the size of their employer, this change will provide a universal safety net entitlement for workers under the Fair Work Act.”
“Australians who need to take leave to deal with the impact of family and domestic violence will be able to do so safe in the knowledge that their job is protected.”
Earlier this week, Labor MP and shadow minister Anthony Albanese wrote on Women’s Agenda that ten days PAID domestic violence leave is needed.