Legislation to provide up to 15-days paid family and domestic violence leave per year was introduced by the Malinauskas Government to the Parliament yesterday afternoon, fulfilling a commitment made to South Australian victim-survivors ahead of this year’s State election.

The proposed amendments to the Fair Work Act 1994 will support workers by ensuring they can immediately access paid leave for reasons including attending medical appointments, legal proceedings, counselling, relocation, the making of safety arrangements and other activities associated with the experience of family and domestic violence.

The legislation will apply to all workers in the State industrial relations system which covers public sector and local government employees. South Australian private sector employees are covered by the Commonwealth Fair Work Act 2009 which was recently amended to include paid family and domestic violence leave.

As family and domestic violence disproportionately impacts women, the proposed changes also promote gender equity by addressing some of the socioeconomic impacts such as loss of income and employment security.

15-days of paid family and domestic violence leave will set a national benchmark.

Quotes

Attributable to Katrine Hildyard

People experiencing domestic violence should never need to make the choice between their financial security and independence, and their safety.

That is why the Malinauskas Government is proudly introducing legislation that will protect victim-survivors, and to provide a greater level of reassurance that they are being supported and respected.

This is another election commitment being fulfilled by the Malinauskas Government in an incredibly important policy area.

When women experience domestic violence, their financial security and independence is an important part of their journey through recovery. This legislation will greatly assist in this journey.

Attributable to Kyam Maher

Paid family and domestic violence leave has been an issue identified by the government as a priority in several policy areas.

Providing paid family and domestic violence leave will play a role in addressing FDV, which has seen a significant increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.