The statement released earlier today by AI Group makes a large number of false assertions about the ACTU submission to the Fair Work Commission on Domestic Violence Leave.
See below comments attributable to ACTU President Ged Kearney:
“It is widely accepted that responding to and preventing family and domestic violence is a “whole of community” responsibility. Many public and private sector employers have already chosen to support their employees by providing paid leave and other benefits for people experiencing domestic and family violence.”
“The ACTU’s claim for 10 days paid domestic and family violence leave in Modern Awards will complement these existing employer schemes.”
“PWC, NAB, Telstra and other employers provide generous and wide-ranging support for employees experiencing domestic and family violence that goes well beyond the minimum entitlements sought by the ACTU, including additional discretionary paid leave, training for staff and a cash advance. All available evidence shows that the provision of 10 days paid leave for Award-dependent employees leads to positive outcomes for employers and employees.”
“However, while many employees are now covered by enterprise agreements containing family and domestic violence leave, bargaining outcomes have not been consistent. This is exactly why the ACTU is seeking a variation to all Modern Awards, to ensure clarity and consistency for all.”
“The ACTU’s position (which is clearly outlined in submissions to the Fair Work Commission) is that eligibility for leave should be restricted to victims of family and domestic violence, not perpetrators.”
“The provision of a minimum 10 days (non-accruable) leave on the provision of reasonable evidence is necessary to support victims of family and domestic violence and promote social inclusion and increased workforce participation.”
“Domestic and family violence leave should be accessible by casual as well as ongoing employees. We should not discriminate against people who are already in less secure work.”
“Family and domestic violence is a crime and a serious human rights violation, which is all too prevalent in Australia. We must work together to eliminate it and the ACTU is proud to be leading the way with our claim for 10 days paid domestic and family violence leave.”
“The Australian Law Reform Commission, the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence, the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Victorian Government all support the consideration of appropriate variations to Modern Awards to better to support victims of family and domestic violence leave.”
ENDS
