Overview

• The Coalition proposes reducing remote work for federal public servants to pre-COVID levels, citing productivity concerns.
• Labor and unions argue the policy disproportionately impacts women, increases commuting costs, and risks broader economic consequences.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese frames work-from-home flexibility as a cost-of-living issue and a way to reduce traffic congestion.
• Polling indicates the Coalition's stance is unpopular, particularly in key mortgage-belt regions, potentially affecting voter support.
• Unions warn that changes to public sector remote work could have ripple effects on private sector flexibility, impacting one in three workers.