#WeWontWait lobbying efforts achieve extra time and money that will save lives

The introduction of 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave into the National Employment Standards will save lives.

Federation activists have been longtime supporters of the #WeWontWait campaign, seeking the introduction of paid family domestic leave for workers covered by the National Employment Standards.

The paid entitlement will enable a worker the time and support, and job security, needed to leave and recover from an abusive relationship; it takes time to organise accommodation, a new bank account, fill out associated documentation, arrange a new phone number, change locks, talk to a solicitor, attend court, contact Centrelink and other support services.

The entitlement will begin on 1 February 2023, but small businesses (fewer than 15 employees) will have an additional six months to comply.

Recently, Women’s Coordinator Leeanda Smith and Anna Stewart Program participants Emily Thomas-Moore, Julie McMullen and Trish McCombie witnessed the introduction of the associated legislation into federal parliament. Federation commends the Albanese Government for prioritising the legislation, by introducing it into their first sitting week.

Teacher entitlements to family and domestic violence leave

Since 2019, NSW public school teachers have been able to access up to 10 days of domestic violence leave each year without being required to exhaust other forms of leave first. The previous provision of five days was only available to teachers who had exhausted all sick and family and community service leave, leaving those affected by violence without accumulated balances to cover illness, including for their children.

Federation has been pushing for increases to domestic violence leave for teachers in schools and TAFE since the introduction of the leave in 2012.