Coalition Proposes Ending Work-From-Home for Public Servants

The opposition's plan to mandate a full return to office work raises questions about gender equity and government efficiency.

Opposition finance spokesperson Jane Hume announced that a Coalition government would require federal public servants to work from the office five days a week.
The proposal seeks to reverse current flexible work arrangements, which allow public servants to work from home up to two days a week under a union-negotiated agreement.
Critics, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Women Katy Gallagher, argue the policy disproportionately impacts working women and borrows heavily from U.S. political rhetoric.
Peter Dutton defended the plan, framing it as a measure to ensure taxpayer-funded positions are productive and equitable for all public servants.
The move is part of a broader Coalition strategy to cut costs, which includes plans to reduce thousands of public service jobs if elected.