The state government unveils new election promise to enshrine a 'right to disconnect' for state workers
The Malinauskas Labor Government has committed to legislating the "Right to Disconnect" for South Australia's public sector employees if they are re-elected at the upcoming state election on 21 March.
SA Unions announced the commitment on Friday, calling it a "massive win" for the state's public sector employees.
Under the commitment, the Labor Government pledged that workers earning less than $150,000 a year will be legally protected from adverse action if they refuse to respond to unreasonable out-of-hours contact.
"This is a massive win for the people who keep South Australia running," said SA Unions secretary Dale Beasley in a statement.
"This isn't just about a change in the law; it is about respect. By winning the Right to Disconnect, workers will win back their time, their mental health, and their right to a life outside of the office," he said.
The election promise, if fulfilled, would bring the rights of South Australia's public sector employees in line with those of private sector workers, who have had Right to Disconnect protections for over a year.
"This reform recognises that whether you work in a local library or delivering public health or education services, you deserve the same rights as every other Australian worker," Beasley said.
Always-on culture in public sector
The rights come as state employees in South Australia call out the "always-on" culture in the public sector.
"For a long time, if you worked for a council or the state public sector, you're kind of expected to be on all the time," said Sarah, a member of the Australian Services Union SA/NT Branch who works for the local government.
"Emails at dinner, calls on your day off. It was like our time didn't belong to us once we left the office. Smartphones and constant connectivity shouldn't mean constant availability."
Sarah stressed that state employees deserve boundaries that respect their lives in and out of the workplace.
"It's simple. It shouldn't matter if you're a parent, a carer, or someone that just needs rest. Our lives outside of work matter," she said.
The Labor Government's pledge is part of its election platform as it seeks re-election at the 2026 South Australian state election on March 21.
