A proposal by Australia’s opposition to require government workers to return to the office full time is emerging as a contentious election issue ahead of a national vote due by May.
The plan, announced this month by the Liberal Party, would bar hundreds of thousands of government employees from working remotely, except under exceptional circumstances, a move that could affect millions nationwide.
The proposal has drawn criticism from the Australian Council of Trade Unions, whose 38 member unions represent nearly 2 million workers. “Forcing hundreds of thousands of workers back on the roads will mean less time with kids and more time in traffic,” said Michele O’Neil, the union group's chief executive, warning that increased traffic congestion could have a broad knock-on effect on the workforce.
The Liberal Party’s pledge stands in stark contrast to the policies of the ruling Labor Party, which has highlighted the benefits of remote work. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized on Sunday that allowing employees to work from home has enabled many to spend more time with their families and save on commuting costs. “We know that working from home has had a range of advantages,” Albanese stated at a news conference, criticizing the opposition as “out of touch” for proposing such restrictive measures.
The debate over work-from-home policies is intensifying as both sides vie for public support in a tight contest. Opinion polls by YouGov and the Australian Associated Press suggest that swing seats in the outer metropolitan areas—regions hit hard by the high cost of living—could be crucial in the upcoming election. Labor has seen a modest bounce in these areas in recent weeks, driven in part by backlash against the Liberal Party’s proposals.
With the election looming and the high cost of living remaining a top concern for voters, the working-from-home debate is poised to become a major battleground in shaping Australia’s future labor and transportation policies.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has urged China to be more transparent about its military build-up and operations, calling for better communication amid rising concerns over Beijing’s presence in the Pacific.
The US has urged Australia to boost its defense spending as Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed that nuclear submarine development is progressing well.
Australia warns of a dangerous new nuclear arms race as global treaties falter and powers like China and Russia shift the balance.
Healthscope, Australia’s second-largest private hospital operator, has received 10 non-binding indicative offers as part of a sale process set to conclude within eight to ten weeks, CEO Tino La Spina announced Monday.
Australia has begun recovery efforts after devastating floods in the southeast killed five people and damaged over 10,000 properties, prompting nationwide support and emergency responses.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said on Sunday that he expects President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to speak soon in an effort to resolve a growing dispute over critical minerals.
As Germany considers providing long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, military experts warn the move could enable Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow — a shift that could escalate tensions and draw NATO closer to direct confrontation.
Ukraine has carried out one of its largest drone strikes of the war, reportedly hitting more than 40 Russian military aircraft at multiple air bases, a Ukrainian security official told Reuters on Sunday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Ukraine will attend a meeting in Istanbul on Monday, following a proposal from Russia.
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
McLaren's Australian driver Oscar Piastri won the Spanish Grand Prix, marking his fifth victory of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The death toll from a quarry collapse in Indonesia’s West Java province rose to 19, with six people still missing, officials said on Sunday.
Ukraine has outlined its formal negotiating framework ahead of planned peace talks with Russia, set to take place on June 2 in Istanbul, according to a full document seen by Reuters.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said on Sunday that he expects President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to speak soon in an effort to resolve a growing dispute over critical minerals.
As Germany considers providing long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, military experts warn the move could enable Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow — a shift that could escalate tensions and draw NATO closer to direct confrontation.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said on Sunday that he expects President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to speak soon in an effort to resolve a growing dispute over critical minerals.
As Germany considers providing long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, military experts warn the move could enable Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow — a shift that could escalate tensions and draw NATO closer to direct confrontation.
Ukraine has carried out one of its largest drone strikes of the war, reportedly hitting more than 40 Russian military aircraft at multiple air bases, a Ukrainian security official told Reuters on Sunday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Ukraine will attend a meeting in Istanbul on Monday, following a proposal from Russia.
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
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