Coalition government would require public servants in the office five days a week

If the Coalition government is elected, it will require all public servants to work from the office five days a week. Liberal Senator and Shadow Finance Minister Jane Hume said last night, "A Dutton-led Liberal government will expect all members of the Australian Public Service (APS) to be in the office five days a week." This initiative aims to enhance in-person collaboration and improve overall government efficiency.

This commitment to end remote work for APS employees comes as Peter Dutton claims the government can save $6 billion annually by cutting 36,000 public sector jobs. The Coalition has indicated that exceptions will be made in individual circumstances. These exceptions would be carefully considered to balance individual needs with organizational goals.

Hume, speaking at the Liberal-aligned think tank Menzies Research Centre, stated, "Of course, exceptions can and will be made; but those exceptions are for the benefit of all, not imposed on the team by the individual." She added, "This is a common-sense policy that will instill a culture of focusing on the dignity of serving the public, a service that relies on public funding and respects that funding by ensuring they are as efficient as possible." Hume believes this move will boost civil servants' productivity and improve public service delivery.

However, the Coalition's goal of returning public servants to the office may not be achievable for several years. The right for APS employees to work from home is enshrined in the wage agreement signed in 2023. This agreement is set to expire in 2027, which will be near the end of any government's next term. The existing agreement presents a significant hurdle to immediate implementation.

Shortly after his election, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a sweeping order requiring federal employees to return to the office. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticized the Coalition for copying overseas policy proposals. Albanese said, "If they hear something in the news, like an announcement overseas about sacking public servants, or people working from home, or DEI – the dreaded inclusion policies they're so worried about – they say 'yeah, I'll have some of that too'." He emphasized, "We need Australian policies for Australian conditions, because we deserve to be the best country on earth, and we don't need to be taking notes from anyone."

Peter Dutton has denied that the policy would disproportionately affect women. He said, "This won't discriminate against anyone based on gender. It's unacceptable for people to refuse to return to work in Canberra. That won't happen under a government I lead." Dutton's statement underscores the Coalition's commitment to ensuring equitable treatment across all demographics within the public service.