UNIONS have renewed calls for all employees to have access to paid domestic violence leave. Their plea comes after Tasmanian bootmakers Blundstone became one of the first Australian-owned companies to adopt the paid leave policy, offering its staff up to 10 days a year. Unions Tasmania state secretary Steve Walsh said 1.6 million workers across the country already had access to paid domestic violence leave provisions, arguing it should be an equal right among all employees. "Australian Unions have joined with the Australian of the Year Rosie Batty in calling for all workers to have access to paid domestic violence leave," Mr Walsh said. The Australian Council of Trade Unions has a proposal before the Fair Work Commission for 10 days paid family violence leave to be enshrined in all workplace awards. Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Bailey supports the introduction of paid family violence leave, but wants to see an opt-in rather than compulsory model adopted. "I suspect a lot of businesses will follow Blundstone's lead," Mr Bailey said. Premier Will Hodgman was full of praise for Blundstone's decision. "I can't commend highly enough Blundstone's initiative and leadership," he said. The state government already provides public servants who experience family violence up to 20 days leave a year, as well as other support services. Meanwhile, the government has promised to release a comprehensive family violence action plan in August. Mr Hodgman said he would lead the strategy, flanked by the Police, Education and Human Services ministers as well as the Attorney-General. Police Commissioner Darren Hine will also be consulted. Mr Hodgman said the strategy would contain additional funding for responses to domestic violence. "Women have a right to do whatever they want, wherever they want, wearing whatever they want," he said. "Until such time as they are able to do that without the fear and threat of violence then the campaign must go on." He said the plan would centre on educating young people, promoting respect for women and gender equality, and targeting, punishing and rehabilitating offenders.
Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin, Police Commissioner Darren Hine, Premier Will Hodgman and Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma.
UNIONS have renewed calls for all employees to have access to paid domestic violence leave.
Their plea comes after Tasmanian bootmakers Blundstone became one of the first Australian-owned companies to adopt the paid leave policy, offering its staff up to 10 days a year.
Unions Tasmania state secretary Steve Walsh said 1.6 million workers across the country already had access to paid domestic violence leave provisions, arguing it should be an equal right among all employees.
"Australian Unions have joined with the Australian of the Year Rosie Batty in calling for all workers to have access to paid domestic violence leave," Mr Walsh said.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions has a proposal before the Fair Work Commission for 10 days paid family violence leave to be enshrined in all workplace awards.
Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Bailey supports the introduction of paid family violence leave, but wants to see an opt-in rather than compulsory model adopted.
"I suspect a lot of businesses will follow Blundstone's lead," Mr Bailey said.
Premier Will Hodgman was full of praise for Blundstone's decision.
"I can't commend highly enough Blundstone's initiative and leadership," he said.
The state government already provides public servants who experience family violence up to 20 days leave a year, as well as other support services.
Meanwhile, the government has promised to release a comprehensive family violence action plan in August.
Mr Hodgman said he would lead the strategy, flanked by the Police, Education and Human Services ministers as well as the Attorney-General.
Police Commissioner Darren Hine will also be consulted.
Mr Hodgman said the strategy would contain additional funding for responses to domestic violence.
"Women have a right to do whatever they want, wherever they want, wearing whatever they want," he said.
"Until such time as they are able to do that without the fear and threat of violence then the campaign must go on."
He said the plan would centre on educating young people, promoting respect for women and gender equality, and targeting, punishing and rehabilitating offenders.
