Dutton abandons work-from-home policy amidst voter backlash

Peter Dutton, the leader of Australia's Liberal Party, has reversed his controversial work-from-home policy after facing significant backlash. Initially, the policy aimed to mandate that 80% of public servants return to the office full-time, but Dutton admitted the Coalition 'made a mistake' and acknowledged that the proposal could disproportionately affect women, particularly parents relying on flexible work arrangements. Polling data indicated that this stance was unpopular among voters, especially women, leading to a decline in Dutton's personal approval ratings. The Coalition has since stated that job cuts from the public service would be achieved through natural attrition rather than forced redundancies, maintaining that their original cost-saving plans remain intact. Labor representatives criticized Dutton's rapid policy changes, asserting that the Coalition's approach failed to understand the needs of families during economic hardships. Dutton's backtracking reflects a broader concern about voter perception and support ahead of upcoming elections.