Paid Domestic and Family Violence Leave

The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (13:21:18):

I take note of the answer Minister Ward provided during question time. The Perrottet Government has announced that it is doubling domestic and family violence leave provisions for New South Wales government employees, with staff now able to access 20 days of paid domestic violence leave per calendar year from 1 January 2023. As the largest employer in New South Wales, the Government is responsible for providing workers with the support and security to take time away from work to take the necessary steps to find safety for themselves and their families.

This Government took the time to consult with unions, employers and policy experts. It understands that the impact of domestic violence can extend to all of our workforce. Hence, the support will be available for all New South Wales public sector employees, including casuals. New South Wales is the first jurisdiction in Australia to include specific provisions for domestic and family violence leave into enterprise agreements and awards for its public sector employees. The Government is setting the standard of care for the private sector and other jurisdictions to follow. It is committed to women's safety, and our record proves that. That is why we have a dedicated Minister.

It is my priority to advocate for support for family and domestic violence victim-survivors to get through what is often a traumatic situation so they can be safe and secure and take the time they need to recover. The increased support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence employed by the New South Wales Government builds upon its record $687 million investment in 2021-22 in a range of women's safety initiatives, as well as a further $100 million in the 2022-23 budget. The Perrottet Government is absolutely committed to ensuring that the women of New South Wales have the right to live a life free from violence.

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