Family and Domestic Violence leave is now a universal right in Australia.

Years of campaigning by unions have led to Family and Domestic Violence leave being embedded in awards for more than 2.6 million workers.

Now the Albanese government has enshrined it in law, making it a universal entitlement and extending coverage to another 8.44 million workers, including casuals.

The ACTU  said that, on average, it costs $18,000 to escape a violent relationship in Australia and economic security is a key factor determining whether a person can escape a dangerous relationship.

Paid Family and Domestic Violence leave will save lives, it  said.

“No worker should ever have had to choose between putting food on the table and their safety, and economic security is a key factor determining whether a person subjected to violence at home can escape a dangerous relationship or not,” said ACTU President, Michele O’Neil.

“It cannot be understated just how important winning paid Family and Domestic Violence leave in the National Employment Standards is.”

The new law followed on the heels of a commitment by the Albanese government in the federal budget to dedicate $42.5 million to the implementation of the Respect@Work report, which outlines a new model for dealing with sexual harassment at work.