Introducing Australia’s New Right to Disconnect

Abstract

Australia is set to join the likes of several international jurisdictions by implementing its own statutory right to disconnect on 26 August 2024 for most employees (or 26 August 2025 for those working in small businesses). This article introduces Australia’s new right to disconnect. It explains where the right sits in the broader context of Australia’s employment law system. The right’s rapid legislative development is traced, along with its proposed operation under Australia’s key employment law statute, the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). The rationale for the right becoming part of Australian employment law is also explored.

Keywords

• right to disconnect
• australia
• employment law
• statute