One year of paid family and domestic violence leave

Today marks one year since the Albanese Labor Government introduced the right for millions of workers to access paid family and domestic violence leave.

This historic change has meant for the first time, Australian employees – including casuals – can access 10 days paid leave each year to deal with the impact of family and domestic violence. 

Importantly, if someone takes family and domestic violence leave, it will not show up on their payslip as leave, ensuring the privacy and safety of victim survivors. 

It’s estimated 3.8 million Australians aged 18 years and older have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner or family member. 

The Albanese Labor Government recognises the urgency to address family, domestic and sexual violence and is committed to ending it in one generation. 

That’s why in our first two Budgets, we made a record investment of $2.3 billion in women’s safety. 

We will continue to work closely with state and territory governments, community leaders and supporting frontline organisations to ensure the agreed Action Plans under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032 deliver the change we know is needed.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Tony Burke: 

“These laws mean workers suffering from family and domestic violence no longer have to choose between their safety and their pay.

“Violence doesn’t discriminate, and neither should the law.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth:

“Providing paid leave to those affected by family and domestic violence is one way that we can help to save lives.

“Women spent years trying to explain to policy-makers the urgency for this leave. This Government listened to women and removed another barrier to escaping violence as part of our $2.3 billion investment to address women’s safety.

“We haven’t left casual workers behind. All Australian workers, full-time, part time and casual get the same entitlements.”

Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot:

“This workplace entitlement has been making a real difference in the lives of working Australians, particularly women, who experience family and domestic violence. 

“Our Government has a shared goal of ending violence against women and children within one generation, and access to paid family and domestic violence leave is vital to achieving this by supporting victim-survivors and by equipping workplaces with the knowledge of what constitutes family and domestic violence, the signs of someone experiencing this violence, and how employers can raise the issue with their employees.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT.org.au or text 0458 737 732.