Legislation to provide up to 15-days paid family and domestic violence leave per year has been introduced to South Australia’s parliament.

The proposed amendments to the Fair Work Act 1994 will support workers by ensuring they can immediately access paid leave for reasons including attending medical appointments, legal proceedings, counselling, relocation, the making of safety arrangements, and other activities associated with the experience of family and domestic violence.

The legislation will apply to all workers in the state industrial relations system which covers public sector and local government employees.

South Australian private sector employees are covered by the Commonwealth Fair Work Act 2009 which was recently amended to include paid family and domestic violence leave.

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.

“Paid family and domestic violence leave has been an issue identified by the government as a priority in several policy areas,” said Attorney-General, Kyam Maher.

“Providing paid family and domestic violence leave will play a role in addressing FDV, which has seen a significant increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Katrine Hildyard, minister for women and the prevention of domestic and family violence, said the legislation will also assist victim-survivors when it comes to financial security and independence.

“People experiencing domestic violence should never need to make the choice between their financial security and independence, and their safety,” Hildyard said, adding that the legislation “will protect victim-survivors, and to provide a greater level of reassurance that they are being supported and respected.”

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