Unions
NSW nurses and midwives win paid domestic violence leave
Nurses, midwives and other public servants in NSW have won 10 days of paid domestic and family violence leave each year under a new government policy.
Following years of campaigning by the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association and other public sector unions in the state, over 300,000 public sector workers in NSW will now have access to 10 days of domestic and family violence leave without having to exhaust other options first.
NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association General Secretary Brett Holmes has lauded the efforts of nurses and midwives who have advocated for this reform over many years. Brett also commended the fantastic efforts of the Australian Services Union (ASU) and Unions NSW in coordinating the campaigns, and noted that efforts will continue towards achieving the same outcome in the private sector.
“Employment and financial stability are critical to escaping a violent and abusive relationship. This win by the union movement will make it easier for survivors of domestic and family violence to remain in paid employment while managing stressful and time consuming tasks, like finding a new home or attending court”, said Mr Holmes.
This new form of leave can be used by victims of abuse to attend police interviews and court proceedings, seek legal advice, and arrange alternative schooling and accommodation arrangements.
The policy came into effect on New Year’s Day, 2019.