Labor has renewed calls for 10 days paid domestic violence leave in response to the five unpaid days the coalition has put on the table.
However, the opposition has not introduced amendments to the coalition's draft laws, instead seeking to condemn the government that its policy doesn't go far enough.
Labor MP Emma Husar, who shared her personal experience with domestic violence in her first speech to parliament two years ago, says victims need longer than five days.
"You can't achieve much in five days unpaid leave after you've finally escaped from a frightening situation," she told the lower house on Thursday.
"How can you care for your children, find a new safe home, visit the local police station, attend court for an AVO, move kids to schools, get them into support, attend doctors, counsellors, psychologists."
The lives of Australian women are at stake, she added.
"I will not stand here and support a bill that is half cooked," she said.
"It's 10 days of paid leave or just get out of the way."
It costs on average about $18,000 and 141 days for people to escape abusive relationships, Greens MP Adam Bandt told the chamber.
Mr Bandt urged the government to consider a Greens bill which puts forward 10 days of paid leave while broadening eligibility so close relatives of victims can also take such leave.
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