SA Workers Gain Right to Disconnect

0:00From Adelaide, this is your March 13 update. Many council and state government workers in South Australia still face work emails during dinner or calls on days off. Federal right to disconnect laws kicked in during 2024, but public sector staff have missed out so far. The labor government bows to fix that with new rules of reelected, matching private sector protections for those earning under $150,000 a year. Deputy premier Kaya Mahar says the change would stop penalties for skipping unreasonable after hours contact. Right now, only some local councils included in staff agreements, leaving many expecting to stay always on. Workers like Sarah and community well-being at one council say it steals your personal time once you clock out. SA unions hailed the promise as a huge step, helping folks reclaim evenings, boost mental health, and enjoy life beyond the job. The federal rules expanded to small businesses in 2025, way factors like urgency and disruption.

1:02Routine queries can be ignored out of hours, but big emergencies, like a major water leak, might demand a reply. Meanwhile, the opposition liberals aren't matching the pledge. Their pushing council rate caps tied to inflation for bill certainty, though local groups warn it could delay infrastructure and cut services. We'd like to thank our sponsor for making this episode possible. Some people meditate, I just lay down and press play, S-O-L-I-S-O-L-P-Lo.com.