Australia Enacts 'Right to Disconnect' for Employees

Australian employees now have the right to ignore their bosses outside working hours due to a new law. This legislation protects them from employer contact after work hours. The law has faced criticism for being rushed and having certain exemptions, and similar laws exist in other EU countries.

Australian employees will have the legal right to ignore their bosses outside working hours starting Monday, thanks to a newly enacted 'right to disconnect' law.

Passed in February, the legislation ensures that employees who opt not to monitor, read, or respond to employer contact outside work hours are protected. Similar laws have already been implemented in countries like France and Germany.

The law faced criticism from employer groups during its passage through parliament, who argued that the legislation was rushed and flawed. It does provide for certain circumstances where an employee’s refusal might be deemed unreasonable, based on their role, the reason for contact, and other factors.