Specialists in mental well-being express worries over the potential Coalition proposal to eliminate employees’ ability to unplug from work-related activities | Australian election 2025.

Leading mental health experts have expressed concerns over the Coalition’s plans to repeal “right to disconnect” laws, arguing that rolling back such laws could lead to negative effects on employee stress and burnout. The legislation, passed in early 2024, allows Australian workers to refuse to monitor, read, or respond to work communications outside paid hours unless doing so would be unreasonable. Some critics argue against the law, calling it unnecessary and potentially leading to job losses. However, supporters believe it is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and protecting mental health, stressing that constant availability and work intrusion on personal time can have severe mental health implications. The laws are not only backed by unions but also by mental health organizations that emphasize the importance of disconnecting from work-related tasks outside of work hours.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/24/mental-health-experts-concerned-about-coalition-plan-to-scrap-workers-right-to-disconnect