More than 1o million workers including casual employees will soon be entitled to 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave if it passes in Parliament today.

The new legislation will be an additional entitlement to the National Employment Standards (NES) which will be introduced by Employment Minister Tony Burke.

MP Burke said that it was difficult to understand why the change for the scheme was not implemented a year ago, according to a tweet to ABC news.

“About a year ago… that principle was put to the parliament and it failed, we are not going to fail this time,” he said.

Employees will have to provide evidentiary documents such as statutory declaration or doctors’ letter of appointment to be considered a leave by the employers.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said that this proposal will help working women to attend personal errands such as counselling or court appointments without possibly having to “lie” to their employers.

“They actually have this entitlement that will allow them to take the time off; it will be paid so you won’t have the financial consequence of not turning up to work,” she said.

MP Rishworth further added that the government is aware of the concerns employers have with how the transition will work, possibly with confidentiality of workers’ record of their paid leave on the payslip.

“We are definitely committed that we will support businesses, particularly small businesses, in how they transition and how they make this leave available,” she said.

If the suggested scheme is to pass, it will take effect from February 2023 for most workforces whereas small businesses have an extra six months until August to adjust.

Photo: Domestic violence or sexual abuse women by Marco Verch Professional Photographer available HERE is used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.