NSW Labor is calling on the Baird Government to double the amount of domestic violence leave available to public sector workers in NSW.

Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jenny Aitchison today moved a motion in State Parliament calling on the Government to support the inclusion of paid domestic violence leave in the National Employment Standards (NES) and ensure the doubling of domestic violence leave - in line with Labor’s policy.

The motion read:

1. That this house notes that domestic violence is a terrible crime that has intergenerational economic consequences for families, victims and survivors;

2. That this house notes that domestic violence leave is an important tool in helping families, victims and survivors pick up the pieces following domestic and family violence;

3. That this house congratulates the former Labor Government who, in 2010 introduced domestic violence leave for NSW public sector workers;

4. That this house congratulates the Leader of the Opposition for his commitment that a future Labor Government will double paid domestic violence leave to 10 days;

5. That this house condemns the Premier for his failure to show leadership on this important issue by failing to commit to supporting the inclusion of paid domestic violence leave in the National Employment Standards at the recent COAG meeting;

6. That this house calls on the Premier to support the inclusion of paid domestic violence leave in the National Employment Standards and to double the existing domestic violence leave in line with Labor’s policy.

Last month Ms Aitchison wrote to the Premier urging him to clearly commit to increasing the entitlement to domestic violence leave to 10 days and to support its inclusion in the NES while he attended the Council of Australian Governments’ National Summit on Reducing Violence against Women and Children.

The Premier failed to commit to raising the issue at COAG and missed an important opportunity to provide support to victims of domestic and family violence.

In October, Opposition Leader Luke Foley committed a future Labor Government to doubling paid domestic violence leave and also urged the Premier to support the inclusion of it in the NES.

Quotes attributable to Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jenny Aitchison

“Domestic violence leave is a key tool to help victims recover their lives.

“The Opposition is committed to doubling domestic violence leave to 10 days for public sector workers. What’s stopping the Premier?

“We know the inclusion of paid domestic violence leave in the NES can save lives.

“While Labor supports programs to stop perpetrators from committing domestic violence, more must be done to help those who are escaping domestic violence.”