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.

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