Australians can ignore work emails after hours under new law
New law lets Australians disconnect from work after hours
Employees in Australia now have the legal right to ignore work calls and emails after hours. This means bosses can no longer interrupt personal time, such as enjoying a pint in the sun.
Many dedicated workers find it tempting to respond to emails after hours, especially if they couldn’t finish during the day. Sending a few emails from home might seem harmless, but work-life balance is crucial.
Australians have taken steps to address this issue. They can now ignore work-related messages, calls, and emails after hours without fearing disciplinary action.
The new ‘right to disconnect’ law allows employees to refuse reading, monitoring, or responding to work communications when not on the clock.
We’re giving workers a right to disconnect, so you’ll be protected from unreasonable contact outside of work hours. pic.twitter.com/aA5bRaVUBj
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) February 8, 2024
On Monday, Aussie Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, “People don’t get paid 24 hours a day, so they shouldn’t have to work 24 hours a day. It’s a mental health issue for many Australians who feel pressured to be constantly available.”
Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt echoed this sentiment to Sky News, emphasising the need for respect for personal time and the importance of work-life balance.
Many workers, including shift worker Lachy, welcome the change. Lachy shared with ABC News, “It’ll be a weight off my shoulders. I’ll get some of my life back. Even simple things like walking the dogs or going out with friends won’t be interrupted by work calls.”
However, some details of the legislation still need to be clarified. Currently, the law applies only to businesses with more than 15 employees. Smaller businesses will adopt this from 22 August 2025.
The law doesn’t prevent bosses from contacting employees after hours but grants the right to refuse. This refusal must be ‘not unreasonable,’ varying by individual circumstances and workplaces.
Regardless, Australians seem ready to embrace these changes.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Bloomberg reports that Australians can legally ignore unreasonable after-hours work calls and emails under new legislation, with fines for employers reaching up to A$93,000. (read more)
- NPR reports that Australia has implemented a law granting employees the right to ignore work emails and calls after hours, aiming to restore work-life balance. (read more)
- Time reports that Australia has implemented the “right to disconnect” law, prohibiting employers from contacting employees for non-essential reasons outside of working hours, with fines up to A$93,000. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Can Australian employees ignore work calls and emails after hours?
Yes, they can legally ignore work-related communications after hours without facing disciplinary action.
Does the ‘right to disconnect’ apply to all Australian workers?
Currently, it applies to employees in businesses with more than 15 workers. For smaller businesses, it starts from August 22, 2025.
Can my boss still contact me after hours under the new law?
Yes, the law does not prevent your boss from contacting you; it only grants the right to refuse to respond.
Are there any exceptions to the ‘right to disconnect’ rule?
Yes, employees can only refuse out-of-hours contact if their refusal is ‘not unreasonable,’ which depends on individual circumstances.
What is the aim of the new ‘right to disconnect’ law in Australia?
The goal is to improve work-life balance and mental health by respecting employees’ private time.
