Hunter residents experiencing domestic violence could soon be eligible for up to 10 days of paid leave under a Bill being introduced by Labor this week.
Some organisations in the region including Cessnock and Singleton Councils have recently adopted support packages including 10 days paid domestic violence leave, with the bill extending this support to every employee in the public and private sectors.
Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Jenny Aitchison says the scourge of Domestic Violence costs the Australian economy $22 billion every year.
"This is a way that employers can directly help at the coalface, and that will help to drive down death rates by providing women with access," Ms Aitchison said.
The Maitland MP says businesses won't feel the pinch.
"We know there's not a huge takeup of this leave, so it's not a massive cost on employers or government, but for those people who access it, it makes an enormous difference."
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| Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison. Image: SMH. |
