Dutton targets public services and workers' rights

With a federal election due in early 2025, Peter Dutton and the Coalition are stepping up their attack on public sector workers.

Not only are they planning to slash at least 36,000 jobs, they now want to cut workplace rights including your right to work from home (WFH).

Coming up Trumps

Following US President Donald Trump decision to force all US federal employees back to the office five days a week, the Coalition says it also wants to see public servants back in the office and an end to what it calls the ‘Work From Home holiday’.

Good news for his millionaire mates

While Dutton’s attack on WFH will be welcomed by the Coalition’s big business supporters, it’s a deeply concerning development for many public sector workers who use WFH to achieve a better balance between life and work.

Bad news for working families

Flexible work has been a game-changer for people in regional and rural Australia, for people with disability and for people with caring responsibilities. We also know WFH is better for workers' mental health, their family life and the environment. Finally, WFH also brings benefits for employers with many studies showing WFH increases employee productivity and makes it easier for organisations to attract and retain good staff.

So why does Peter Dutton want to force workers back into offices? It’s a fair question.

The choice in the coming election is stark

Under the previous Coalition government, crucial public services were hollowed out, working conditions and rights were attacked and agencies found it hard to attract and retain staff. Workers’ pay and conditions went backwards. Australia can’t afford to back to that. Don’t risk Dutton.

What you can do

The CPSU is determined to stop the Coalition wrecking public services, cutting jobs and slashing rights. We are fighting back, and we need your help. This is not fight we can watch from the sidelines.

Sign up to stay up to date and get involved with our campaign here.