Australia Enacts Right to Disconnect Law

Australia has enacted a 'right to disconnect' law, allowing workers to ignore work-related communications outside of regular hours without fear of punishment. This legislation aims to curb the invasion of personal time by work demands, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The law, effective for most workers now and for small businesses starting in August 2025, mandates that employees should not be penalized unless their refusal to respond is deemed unreasonable. Disputes between employers and employees can be settled by the Fair Work Commission, which can issue fines for noncompliance. This move aligns Australia with over 20 other countries that have similar laws to protect work-life balance. While the law has been widely welcomed, there are mixed reactions, with some opposition fearing increased red tape for employers.