The Bill to enshrine 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave as a workplace right has just passed in Parliament.
 
Now, 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave will be included in the National Employment Standards, meaning more than 8 million workers will be able to access this lifesaving leave.
 
For over a decade our members played a crucial role in the campaign forpaid family and domestic violence leave. And today we WON.  
 
As part of a large national union our members built paid family violence leave into the NSW Local Government (State) Award, collective agreements and modern awards and now into the National Employment Standards. This was only possible because union members stood up and demanded change. 
 
Thank you to every single member who took action. From signing a petition, meeting with an MP, or negotiating paid family and domestic violence leave into your workplace agreements. Together, our members did this!
 
Why is legislating 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave so important?
 
Today’s decision is a win for workers across Australia.
 
Paid family and domestic violence leave can give a woman – and it nearly always is a woman – the time, support and job security she needs to escape and recover from an abusive relationship.
 
Enshrining this new workplace right into legislation means nearly every worker in Australia including casual, part time and permanent workers will have the security to leave a dangerous relationship.
 
Paid family & domestic violence leave will save lives.
 
Today’s outcome shows that together, we can build safer workplaces, and a better and fairer society for all.
 
In coming months, we will work with members regarding the implementation of universal family and domestic violence leave, which will come into effect in 2023.