The Australian Greens today put forward amendments to protect and expand Australians' right to work from home, which Labor rejected.
The Greens' amendments would have expanded eligibility for requests for flexible working arrangements, including the right to work from home, and called on the Government to legislate a right to work from home for up to two days a week, where it is reasonable to do so.
The Greens announced a policy last week which would require employers to positively consider reasonable requests to work from home at least two days a week, provided working from home was not at odds with the inherent nature of a workers' role.
As stated by Australian Greens spokesperson for employment and workplace relations, Senator Barbara Pocock:
"Today Labor had an opportunity to agree to a national approach to give Australians the right to work from home, where it's reasonable to do so, but the Government rejected it.
"Of course we need to defend penalty rates, but Labor should be ambitious for Australian workers, reforming workplace laws to address our changing circumstances."
"It's disappointing that the Government voted against the Greens' amendment to protect the right of workers to balance paid work with caring for their families, who, let's face it, are predominantly women. Where is their ambition for Australian workers?
"Labor voted down legislating the right to work from home where it is sensible and doable, which would not only protect women's access to the labour market and economic equality gains but also increase workforce participation and ultimately boost productivity.
"The ability to work from home has many benefits, not only for women and carers - it also reduces the time spent on commuting, improves work-life balance, increases mental and physical wellbeing, and boosts workforce participation and productivity
"While working from home is not possible in all roles, the Greens believe workers should have a reasonable right to work from home for up to a couple of days a week where it is practical. The Greens believe people should not be at risk of having that right arbitrarily removed when it is working in practical ways that also boost productivity.
"What Labor needs to realise is that if it wants to address gender inequality, if it wants to get more women and carers into the workforce and boost productivity, it needs to protect flexible work arrangements like the right to work from home.
"The Greens want to see real improvements in the conditions and rights of Australian workers that reflects the modern workplaces of 2025 and beyond. We will always fight for workers' rights and that includes stronger protections for working women. Despite Labor today voting against the right to to work from home, we remain ready to work with Labor to deliver."
