That is according to research by the Australian Council of Trade Unions.

Domestic violence advocates are hopeful Australia will take a look across the ditch and implement similar workplace strategies as have been introduced in the ‘land of the long white cloud’.

With a vote of 63 to 57, New Zealand’s parliament introduced laws granting up to 10 days paid leave for victims of domestic violence.

The move has made the country the second in the world to implement the strategy, behind the Philippines’ 2004 decision.

The main argument against introducing the legislation is that it could potentially cost employers more in the loss of productivity. It is a mute point to Helen West from the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service in Wagga.

“If you have someone working while they’re going through that, they’re not in the right frame of mind,” Ms West said.

“It’s actually better for the business’s productivity to give them that time to sort out their family situation.

“I would like to see employers recognise domestic violence as a genuine reason to be given time off work.

“I have known some employers in this area who have not allowed their employee to go to court for a domestic violence related hearing, that’s unacceptable.”

The Australian Services Union has been lobbying for a federal policy for domestic violence leave. Secretary Natalie Lang recognises the economic debate as unnecessarily divisive. 

“It’s not the cost, it’s the culture. Women can’t wait. Children can’t wait. Families experiencing violence need action now,” Ms Lang said.