Dutton backflips on public servants’ work-from-home policy

Peter Dutton reverses public servant office return policy, endorsing flexible work after polling backlash.

In Short

Peter Dutton has reversed his full-time office attendance policy for public servants due to backlash, acknowledging the need for flexible working arrangements.

The Coalition will still reduce public servant roles by 41,000 over five years but will not mandate office days, emphasising the importance of remote work for families.

Peter Dutton has reversed his policy on requiring public servants to return to the office full-time after facing backlash and negative polling.

Following criticism, he acknowledged the need for flexibility for workers who benefit from remote working arrangements.

The original plan had aimed to mandate a five-days-a-week office attendance but will now be abandoned.

Despite this shift, the Coalition still plans to reduce the number of public servant positions by 41,000 over five years through a hiring freeze, avoiding forced redundancies.

Flexible work arrangements

Senator Jane Hume, whose comments previously sparked the debate, stated that flexible work arrangements enhance workforce contributions.

She confirmed that under a Coalition Government, existing flexibility would continue without mandated office days.

The backlash against the original policy has been significant, with concerns about its impact on families, particularly women, who require flexible working conditions.

Prime Minister Albanese argued that Dutton’s proposal would adversely affect many working families and exacerbate existing economic challenges.