RIGHT TO DISCONNECT LAWS EXTENDED
Australia’s Right to Disconnect laws have entered their second phase, with new rules now applying to small businesses, including small clubs and pubs, employing fewer than 15 people. From August 26, 2025, these workers officially have the right to ignore work-related calls, texts, or emails deemed “unreasonable” outside of their normal hours.
The legislation, introduced last year for businesses with 15 or more employees, is designed to support a clearer boundary between work and personal time. Employees are not required to monitor or respond to contact after hours, though the law is applied with consideration of what is reasonable in specific circumstances. Disputes must first be addressed within the workplace, and unresolved matters can be taken to the Fair Work Commission.
The expansion has prompted mixed responses. Worker advocates have welcomed the change as a step toward improved wellbeing and balance, while some business groups have raised concerns about compliance costs and operational challenges. Smaller businesses in particular have warned that limited resources and reliance on flexible arrangements may make adapting more difficult.
Employers who fail to comply risk penalties, although breaches do not automatically result in fines. Instead, the focus remains on resolving issues through discussion before escalation. As the second stage of the rollout takes effect, both employers and employees are being urged to approach the changes with clear communication and practical expectations.
What remains clear is that while the Right to Disconnect aims to protect employee wellbeing, it adds another layer of complexity to Australia’s workplace regulations, something many small businesses say is pushing the limits of compliance. With both opportunities and challenges ahead, the success of this law will likely depend on how well individual workplaces balance operational needs with respecting personal boundaries.
