Australia Enacts 'Right to Disconnect' Law

Australia has enacted the 'right to disconnect' law, allowing employees to ignore work-related communications outside of official working hours without fear of penalties. This legislation takes effect on August 26, 2024, for most businesses and August 26, 2025, for smaller companies, aiming to address mental health concerns and maintain work-life balance. Unions have welcomed the law as a historic win, while employer groups criticize it as rushed and confusing. The law includes provisions for exceptions where refusal to respond may be deemed unreasonable based on the context of the contact. Australia joins several European and Latin American countries with similar laws, marking a significant shift in workplace regulations.