The Coalition’s work-from-home policy has come under fire from within its ranks, with members expressing surprise and criticizing it as “not thoroughly thought through.”
As the Liberal Party struggles to regain several seats lost to independent candidates, there is concern that the policy could harm its prospects in areas with high concentrations of working professional women.
Sources within the Coalition have told Guardian Australia that the policy was poorly communicated and has been misinterpreted by the public as applying to all workplaces when it is only intended for the public service.
Shadow Minister for Finance and Public Service, Jane Hume, introduced the policy on March 3, stating that all public service workers would need to return to the office if the Coalition were to win the government. She indicated that exceptions would be made “where they serve everyone.
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The policy announcement coincided with the release of government figures showing a gender pay gap, with women on average earning $30,000 less than men per year.
The following day, Peter Dutton supported the policy. When questioned about its impact on women with caregiving responsibilities, he mentioned the availability of job-sharing arrangements.
Dutton later seemed to retract his stance, suggesting that public service working from home should return to pre-COVID levels.
Some senior Coalition figures, who spoke anonymously, expressed negative views on the policy, suggesting the party should focus on the cost of living rather than workplace arrangements.
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The policy’s implementation could be complicated by existing Enterprise Bargaining Agreements, which would require staff approval or waiting until the agreements expire, according to employment expert Andrew Stewart of Queensland University of Technology.
Other supporters of the policy acknowledge the potential for misinterpretation and emphasize the importance of flexible work arrangements in the public service.
Opposition Senator Kat Gallagher criticized the policy, claiming that it shows a lack of understanding of working families and pointing out that public service agreements already outline parameters for working from home.
Gallagher also took issue with Dutton’s flip-flop, likening the policy to failed attempts by Donald Trump to end public service work-from-home arrangements in the US.
