2018-09-13
The Greens will move to amend the Government’s bill introduced into the Lower House today for five days unpaid family and domestic violence leave, to give workers 10 days paid leave.
“We acknowledge the government’s small step forward on this but it fails to recognise the needs of victims and won’t actually help keep women safe,” Greens spokesperson for women Senator Larissa Waters said.
“Australia is experiencing a domestic violence crisis and the government should be helping women, not adding insult to injury by denying them paid leave to get safe.
“We welcome the ACTU’s strong stance on this issue which the Greens have backed since 2014, and Labor’s subsequent support for paid leave. Support for women fleeing violence should be above politics, and the legislation should be coupled with an increase in funding for frontline services.
“Instead the government is pre-empting employers crying poor despite small and medium sized businesses just receiving a corporate tax cut and DV leave being an investment in workers, delivering continuity in the workplace.”
Greens spokesperson for employment Adam Bandt MP, introduced a bill for 10 days paid leave last year.
“The time for excuses is over. This Greens amendment will help save lives. It is time for the old parties to back the push for 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave,” he said.
Media Contact -
Karina Natt – 0419 626 725