Each week at least one woman is murdered, and there are
at least two reported victims, as a result of family and domestic
violence (FDV) related offences in Australia. On top of that, a
recent report shows intimate partner violence causes more illness,
disability and death than any other risk factor for women aged
25-44.
This week brought the commencement of FDV leave, which was
introduced by the Fair Work Commission in acknowledgement of the
devastating impact of FDV on Australian employees. The new
entitlement gives employees who are covered by a modern award 5
days of unpaid leave to deal with family and domestic violence.
Why only modern award covered employees? Because that's the
extent of the FWC's influence in relation to introducing new
leave entitlements. So, good on the FWC for doing what it can. For
non-award employees, fortunately, the Turnbull Government indicated
it will introduce legislation to extend the entitlement to
everyone. But get to it
