Fair Work Amendment 2024

# Fair Work Amendment Bill 2024 **What it does** This bill changes the penalty system for breaking "right to disconnect" rules at work. Instead of being treated as a criminal offence (which can mean jail time or a criminal record), violations now face civil penalties instead—similar to other workplace disputes that go to court or the Fair Work Commission. **Why it matters** This makes enforcement more practical and proportionate. Employers who ignore orders telling them to stop contacting workers outside work hours won't face the heavy hand of criminal law, but workers still have a real remedy if their right to disconnect is breached. **Key details** - The change only applies to violations of "right to disconnect" stop orders—a protection that lets employees refuse unreasonable out-of-hours contact from their employer - It takes effect at the same time as other "closing loopholes" workplace reforms in 2024 - This aligns with how other Fair Work breaches are handled through the civil system rather than the criminal courts

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament