Dutton Drops Work-from-Home Ban, Halts Job Cuts

Peter Dutton, the leader of Australia's Coalition, has retracted his previous plans to mandate five-day office work for public servants and to cut 41,000 jobs in the federal public service, admitting these policies were mistakes. Dutton expressed regret during a media appearance, acknowledging the negative feedback from voters, particularly women, who benefit from flexible working arrangements. Recent polling shows Labor gaining ground, leading the Coalition 52-48 on a two-party preferred basis, prompting Dutton's policy reversal. The Coalition's initial stance was perceived as reminiscent of unpopular Trump-style policies, which further alienated female voters. Dutton's adjustments aim to address these concerns and improve the Coalition's standing in the upcoming election. The party's public service spokesperson emphasized the importance of flexible work arrangements in attracting and retaining talent within the public sector.