Page 4045 - Week 13 - Thursday, 2 December 2021

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(a) there is zero tolerance for domestic and family violence and that everyone has the right to be safe in their homes, communities, workplaces and online;

(b) domestic and family violence is a national and workplace issue;

(d) women are nearly three times more likely to experience partner violence than men; and

(e) escaping violent relationships takes time and resources that are not equally available to everyone, especially if you cannot afford to take time off work;

(2) notes:

(a) the We Won’t Wait campaign is an ongoing national campaign led by Australian unions to include a minimum 10 days paid domestic and family violence leave in the National Employment Standards;

(b) the ongoing work of unions to include family and domestic violence leave in both private and public sector enterprise agreements across the country;

(c) in 2013, the ACT Government introduced 20 days of paid leave for domestic and family violence purposes as a formal entitlement in ACT Government enterprise agreements; and

(d) the Fair Work Commission is currently undertaking a review of the family and domestic violence leave clause in modern awards;

(3) calls on the Australian Government to:

(a) include 10 days of paid domestic and family violence leave in the National Employment Standards;

(b) continue working with the community and all stakeholders to provide support for all Australian workers to live a life free from violence; and

(c) prioritise the actions that delegates of the National Summit on Women’s Safety have outlined in their Summit Statement; and

(4) invites leaders of ACT Labor, ACT Greens and the Canberra Liberals, responsible spokespersons and any other interested Member of the ACT Legislative Assembly to sign a letter to Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Australian Government Minister for Industrial Relations which attaches this motion.

Today I present the We Won’t Wait executive motion on paid domestic and family violence leave. I would like to express my support, and ACT Labor’s support, for the important work of Australian unions in leading the ongoing national We Won’t Wait campaign to include a minimum of 10 days of paid domestic and family violence leave in the national employment standards.

It is an important matter that needs serious attention, particularly during this time. Last week, as we know, 25 November was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It marked the beginning of 16 days of activism to end gender-based violence. To mark my support, this year, during the 16 days of activism,

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