NSW public sector union welcomes DV leave being extended to all

The Public Service Association NSW has welcomed the Federal Government’s move to broaden the availability of Domestic Violence Leave to more than 11 million Australian workers, including casual workers. PSA/CPSU NSW members have long had access to such entitlements, with all NSW Government employees now able to access 10 days’ domestic violence leave, unconditional on what other leave provisions they have used. “We have been fighting for this leave entitlement for over a decade because we know it saves lives. So I am very pleased to see the federal government extend it to everyone,” said PSA General Secretary Stewart Little. “One in four women have experienced some of violence from their partner, but leaving a violent relationship is not easy. We know it costs, on average, $18,000 to escape – and that’s not to mention the time and logistics. “10 days paid FDV leave will allow many more women to change their lives, while retaining their jobs. “We congratulate the whole union movement and the Federal Government on prioritising worker safety so early in its first term.” In April 2010, the PSA/CPSU NSW tabled a clause at a forum at the University of NSW calling for 20 days’ special annual leave for employees experiencing domestic violence. Since then, all Awards and Enterprise Agreements covering our members have incorporated domestic violence leave provisions, including the 2011 landmark victory by our union, forcing the State Government to grant five days’ special leave once other options were exhausted.