The National Party has changed its mind and will back a member's bill that would give the victims of domestic violence paid leave from work.
Green MP Jan Logie Photo: RNZ
New Zealand First announced today that it, too, would support the legislation.
Until now, National had said the bill would impose significant extra costs on businesses and it could not support it.
The bill's promoter, Green MP Jan Logie, said it was fantastic National had changed its mind.
"I hope that they've listened to people's concerns and it was great when Business New Zealand came out and said they wanted the discussion to happen.
"I guess they saw they were on the losing side of a really important issue," Ms Logie said.
She only found out when Justice Minister Amy Adams tweeted about supporting the legislation to select committee this afternoon, she said.
Govt will support @janlogie bill on special leave for family violence victims to select cttee. Bill needs work but issues worth discussing
— Amy Adams (@amyadamsMP) March 7, 2017
The Domestic Violence Victims' Protection Bill would give victims 10 days' paid leave to help them move house, attend court hearings and consult with lawyers.
