BUSINESS BACKS LABOR ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LEAVE

TONY BURKE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MANAGER OF OPPOSITION BUSINESS
MEMBER FOR WATSON
 
LINDA BURNEY MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
MEMBER FOR BARTON
 
SENATOR JENNY MCALLISTER
SHADOW CABINET SECRETARY
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE LABOR LEADER IN THE SENATE
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMMUNITIES AND THE PREVENTION OF FAMILY VIOLENCE
SENATOR FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 

 The business community has thrown its support behind Labor’s plan for 10 days of paid leave for Australians escaping domestic violence – leaving Scott Morrison completely isolated on this important issue.

Labor congratulates the Business Council of Australia for recognising that paid domestic violence leave would save lives.

Family and domestic violence is the leading cause of death, disability and illness among women aged between 15 and 44. Paid domestic violence leave would give people the means to escape their abusers without risking their jobs.

That’s why Labor introduced a private member’s bill into Parliament to give Australians access to 10 days of paid domestic violence leave.

Labor’s bill would provide for 10 days paid DV leave as a universal right in the National Employment Standards – and the BCA today agreed this is the right approach.

Many employers already provide paid domestic violence leave, including Telstra, Medicare, CUB, NAB, Virgin Australia, Qantas, IKEA and the NSW Government.

They’re leading because Scott Morrison has failed to lead.

Just last week Mr Morrison’s government voted in the Senate against paid domestic violence leave when it rejected Labor’s amendments to its weak response to the Respect@Work report.

After the BCA’s announcement Mr Morrison is all alone and all out of excuses. With business and the union movement now agreeing on the need for this change Mr Morrison should seize the opportunity and get this done.

Giving speeches is not enough - he needs to stop dodging responsibility for this and act.

*** If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000” ***

MONDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER 2021