Australian workers would get access to 10 days of paid domestic violence leave under a new Labor Party proposal.
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The federal opposition plans to introduce legislation to stamp the paid leave into law.
Labor took the domestic leave policy to the last election and has now recommitted to the plan.
The insidious issue of family violence has become worse during the coronavirus pandemic.
Labor's social services spokeswoman Linda Burney said family violence was the leading cause of death, disability and illness among women aged between 15 and 44.
"Violence against women and their children represented a national crisis before this pandemic," she said on Tuesday.
"Recent events have only underlined the reality that home is not a safe place for everyone.
"No one should have to make the choice between their earning capacity and their safety.
Violence against women and children costs the Australian economy about $22 billion a year, with $860 million of that down to people being absent from work.
"It's time for the government to support Labor's calls for 10 days paid domestic violence leave," Ms Burney said.
Since late 2018, workers have had access to five days of unpaid domestic violence leave per year.
At the time, the coalition government argued it was sufficient as it was the minimum benchmark recommended by the Fair Work Commission.
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Australian Associated Press
