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To ensure the system benefits everyone it should be run and funded by the government, says COSBOA.
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Small businesses ‘forgotten’ in domestic violence leave scheme
10 August 2022
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10 minute read
Small business owners and sole traders have been forgotten by the government’s paid family and domestic violence leave scheme, says the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA).
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CEO of COSBOA Alexi Boyd said that the government needed to fund the scheme or small businesses would simply miss out.
“There are over 700,000 sole proprietors in Australia — if they themselves are a victim of domestic violence under the current bill before parliament they have been forgotten,” said Ms Boyd.
“If you are an employee you will be compensated dollar for dollar for the time it takes you away, up to 10 days, if you are a sole trader you are not an employee.”
“If you run your own company and are your own employee, how do you make up for that loss of productivity and that loss of income in that time you need to take away from your business?”
Ms Boyd said the bill was designed to provide for all workers, not just those at large companies, but that was not the result.
“The argument was that big businesses were already doing it (paid leave for family and domestic violence) and why should those who work for small businesses be disadvantaged?” she said.
“If that is what you are applying you need to make sure you include small business owners in that, the owners themselves and the sole traders.”
The government needed to step in to ensure everyone had equal access to the program, said Ms Boyd.
“COSBOA’s ideal outcome is that FDV (family and domestic violence) leave be funded and administered by government for employees of small businesses,” she said.
“It’s not realistic to expect small business owners to become experts in handling trauma. While many small businesses have treated these situations with compassion and generosity when they have arisen, we believe victims of domestic violence would be better looked after if this were a program delivered by the government.”
“Big businesses and governments are able to provide staff with specialist training in managing these serious and sensitive situations, but some small business owners may struggle to know how to respond appropriately and lack the time needed to obtain the necessary knowledge and skills at the very time the victim needs the right advice and support.”
Despite the drawbacks, she said COSBOA was pleased the government had taken the initiative on a crucial topic.
“We agree that domestic violence is a severe and pervasive social problem, and we welcome the government's leadership on this important issue,” said Ms Boyd.
Data from the ABS shows a steady upwards trend in the proportion of female business owners and managers over the last 20 years, with women now accounting for more than 35 per cent.
“This is a crucial consideration for government — how do we support women who are sole traders or managing a small business? How do they access support? Particularly in sensitive situations where an abuser may have control or access to the business,” said Ms Boyd.
“COSBOA will continue to work with the government on this matter and has been pleased with opportunities to provide small business perspectives.”
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