The Labour Party intends to insert 10 days paid domestic and family violence leave into the national employment standards if it wins the next federal election.
In July this year The Fair Work Commission rejected the ACTU claim for 10 days paid domestic violence leave.
Opposition workplace relations spokesman Brendan O’Connor said that “there is a clear message is that people who have experienced domestic violence need more support in the workplace.”
He went on to add that “including this leave as a workplace right will prevent loss of productivity and increase employee retention and reduce unpredictable absenteeism.’’
Innes Willox, Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, said the only country known to have national paid domestic violence leave was The Philippines.
A number of big employers currently provide paid domestic violence leave, including Medicare, CUB, Telstra, National Australia Bank, Virgin Australia, IKEA and Qantas.