SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS RECONNECTED TO STRESS BY RIGHT TO DISCONNECT FROM TODAY

Tuesday, 26 August 2025

The Albanese Government’s right to disconnect laws will come into force on small business today, adding yet another layer of red tape, confusion and stress at the very moment small businesses are already drowning in costs and compliance.

Shadow Minister for Small Business, Tim Wilson, said the laws show Labor is disconnected from the stress they are putting small businesses under.

“Anthony Albanese has no empathy for small business owners. Small businesses are desperate to disconnect to spend more time with family and friends, but Anthony Albanese’s only response is to pile on more red tape to keep small business owners at work longer,” Mr Wilson said.

“While employees are screaming out for flexibility to manage their work-life balance, Anthony Albanese wants to make it unlawful for employers to work with employees. He is standing like Big Brother between small business owners and employees thinking he knows best, when Australians are best placed to control their lives.”

Mr Wilson said the timing could not be more ironic.

“Just last week the Prime Minister’s Roundtable was full of talk about cutting regulation, yet today small businesses are being hit with even more rules. The Albanese Government has added a major piece of red tape onto the backs of small businesses almost every month it has been in office,” he said.

“We all have to find a balance and that goes for employers and employees, but Labor has no empathy for small businesses carrying all the risk and unintended consequences. It creates confusion over what is ‘reasonable’ contact, opens the door to disputes, and gives their union mates another excuse to tax their take.

For a café owner trying to fill a shift, a tradie lining up tomorrow’s job, or a retailer chasing late deliveries, this isn’t flexibility – it’s red tape. It forces employers to second-guess every phone call or email.”

“Small businesses are already drowning in compliance, paperwork and cost-of-living pressures. Instead of listening to the lived reality of small business owners, Labor keeps legislating from an ivory tower. They’re making it harder for small businesses to survive, let alone thrive.”

“The Coalition will always back practical reforms that support small businesses, not bury them in contradictions. We will keep fighting for common sense and for flexibility that works for both employers and employees.”

ENDS