AUSTRALIA, Aug 26: Australia's new workplace reforms, which took effect on Monday, now allow workers to refuse to monitor, read, or respond to work communications outside of paid hours unless it is deemed unreasonable to do so. This "right to disconnect" is expected to significantly reduce the number of unpaid hours worked by Australians.

Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt emphasized the importance of these changes, noting that they ensure the law keeps pace with technological advancements. "What’s not acceptable is for people to be taking constant calls or emails with an expectation to monitor and respond when they’re not being paid to do it," Watt said during a press briefing in Queensland on Sunday.

In anticipation of the law changes, some Australian workers have shared their experiences of increased workloads. Lizzy Grant, a part-time airline customer service worker, described how her 20-hour-a-week role often expanded into a 40-hour workload. "I’m not a CEO, I just feel like I have a high-powered job," she said. "But really, I’m just a customer service officer for an airline—underpaid and overworked."

The Australian Council of Trade Unions President, Michele O’Neil, hailed the new laws as a significant victory for workers amid a cost-of-living crisis. "More money in your pocket, more time with your loved ones, and more freedom to live your life," O’Neil stated.

The reforms also include improved rights for gig workers and provisions for casual employees to transition into permanent employment. However, the Business Council of Australia’s Chief Executive, Bran Black, expressed concerns about the potential impact on Australia’s competitiveness. "At a time when productivity has flatlined and insolvencies are increasing, we can’t risk making it harder to do business with added red tape," Black warned.