You can ignore calls, texts from boss after working hours under new Australian law

Reportedly, an employer can face a fine of up to A$93,000 ($63,000) for contacting an employee for non-essential reasons after working hours.

Australians can now legally ignore unreasonable after-hours work calls and emails under new government legislation that came into effect on Monday, drawing criticism from business groups. 

A new Australian law of 'right to disconnect' will immediately apply to employees from medium and large enterprises. (Unsplash/firmbee)

Under the laws, employers face fines of up to A$93,000 ($63,000) for getting in touch with an employee for non-essential reasons outside of working hours.

“Just as people don’t get paid 24 hours a day, they don’t have to work for 24 hours a day,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Monday, adding that he expected the changes to boost productivity.

“For many Australians, I think they’re getting frustrated that they’re expected to be on their phones, their emails, all of that, for 24 hours a day,” he said. “It’s a mental health issue, frankly.”

Australia follows nations such as France, Spain and Belgium in introducing right to disconnect laws to protect workers from unreasonable contact outside of hours, while other governments around the world are considering similar measures.