Paid leave plan for victims of domestic violence in SA
Victims of family and domestic violence could soon access up to 15 days of paid leave after the government introduced legislation to State Parliament yesterday.
An anonymous app which provides support to people experiencing domestic violence has received funding to continue for another three years. Photo: file photo
Proposed amendments by the State Government to the Fair Work Act 1994 would allow workers experiencing family and domestic violence to access paid leave for medical appointments, legal proceedings, counselling, relocation, safety arrangements and other associated activities.
The legislation will apply to all workers in the state industrial relations system which includes public sector and local government employees.
South Australian private sector employees are already covered by the Commonwealth Fair Work Act 2009 which was recently amended to include paid family and domestic violence leave.
A statement released by the government said the changes promote gender equity.
“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,” the statement read.
It comes after the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service, which is run by the SA Legal Services Commission reported a 45 percent increase in the number of South Australian women seeking legal help.
The group assisted 303 new clients in the first three months of this year, compared to 209 clients over the same period last year.
Minister for Child Protection Katrine Hildyard said people experiencing domestic violence should not need to make the choice between financial security and safety.
“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,” Hildyard said.
“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.”
Attorney-General Kyam Maher said family and domestic violence has seen a significant increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Paid family and domestic violence leave has been an issue identified by the government as a priority in several policy areas,” Maher said.
