Paid Domestic and Family Violence Leave

The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (12:15:13):

My question is addressed to the Minister for Women's Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence. Will the Minister update the House on the Government's ongoing support for employees affected by domestic and family violence?

The Hon. NATALIE WARD (Minister for Metropolitan Roads, and Minister for Women's Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence) (12:15:36):

I thank the Hon. Aileen MacDonald for her interest in this area. It is a joy to have her in this Chamber. Women's safety and the prevention of domestic and sexual violence is a key priority for the Perrottet Government. As the largest employer in New South Wales, the Government is leading the nation in providing comprehensive paid leave for employees affected by domestic and family violence across the public sector. That is why on 23 August it announced that it is doubling paid 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. This includes all ongoing, temporary and casual employees. It is absolutely comprehensive.

New South Wales was the first jurisdiction to include specific provisions for domestic and family violence leave in enterprise agreements and awards for its public sector employees. The Government understands that the impact of domestic violence can extend to all of our workforce. That is why this support will be available for all New South Wales public sector employees, including casuals. It is important that everyone is recognised and everyone has the opportunity to be supported at that critical time. This increased support for victim‑survivors of domestic and family violence who are employed by the New South Wales Government builds on its record $687 million investment in 2021‑22 in a range of women's safety initiatives as well as the further $100 million in the 2022‑23 budget.

That is why we have a dedicated Minister for Women's Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence, and it is my priority to continue advocating for victim‑survivors to receive the support that they require. The Perrottet Government is committed to keeping victim‑survivors, women and children safe in New South Wales. Doubling domestic and family violence leave is just one important aspect of the Liberal‑Nationals Government's strong record on women's safety. We are delivering on our commitment to criminalise coercive control in intimate partner relationships. We have passed nation‑leading affirmative consent reform in this State. That law commenced on 1 June this year.

We have introduced five new jury directions to address common misconceptions about consent. They are supported by a positive public awareness campaign targeted at young people called Make No Doubt, which I launched this year with the Attorney General, who, as my predecessor, has been such a strong advocate and has achieved so much. I thank him for his advocacy. Finally, we have banned self‑represented people accused of domestic violence in criminal and related proceedings from directly cross-examining domestic violence complainants. That means the alleged perpetrator cannot directly examine the victim‑survivor. That is a good step. Our work is not done. I hope that one day we do not have to have a Minister for Women's Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence. But until then, we remain committed to protecting women and children across New South Wales.

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