New Zealand's law change to give domestic violence survivors additional paid leave makes Australia look like it's living in the past, unions believe.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions wants Australia to follow suit and bring in a 10-days paid domestic violence leave scheme.
New Zealand introduced the leave last week, becoming the second country in the world to do so.
"No one should be forced to choose between their income and their safety," ACTU president Michele O'Neil said.
She says it should be a right for all workers.
"If you're escaping family and domestic violence you need financial stability and independence while you go to the police, seek support from doctors and lawyers, move house and find new schools for your kids," she said.
"New Zealand has made it clear that the Turnbull government is living in the past."
From this month 2.3 million Australians will be able to access five days of unpaid leave, while the government has committed to extending the scheme to a further six million workers.
Workplace minister Craig Laundy said many employers already provided support including paid leave to employers experiencing family and domestic violence.
"We encourage other employers to follow their lead," he said.
The Fair Work Commission is set to revisit the idea of paid leave in modern awards in 2021.
The Philippines introduced 10-day special leave provisions for family violence survivors in 2004.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
