Introducing paid family and domestic violence leave would not only retain skilled workers, but actually save lives, speakers at a local rally said on Friday.
Hunter Workers held the rally at Civic Park calling for 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave to be included in the National Employment Standards.
A group of about 30 people heard from Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon, Hunter Workers Women's Committee's Leanne Holmes and community sector worker Teanile Grant.
University of Newcastle Gender Research Network's Rachel Bond also conducted a vigil to remember women murdered in 2021.
Cutouts of five cent pieces were placed in front of speakers to symbolise Australia Institute research which found the average cost of the leave was less than five cents per worker a day. Ms Holmes said for five cents, women wouldn't need to exhaust annual and sick leave when escaping violent situations.
"It would mean women could retain employment and businesses would retain qualified and skilled workers," she said.
"Paid family and domestic violence leave literally saves lives."
Ms Grant said the entitlement could be the difference between someone staying in a violent relationship and having the capacity to leave.
Shadow Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison couldn't make the rally, but in a speech read by Hunter Workers campaign organiser Leigh Shears, she said paid domestic violence leave needed to be available to all workers, including those in casual employment.
