Australia debates four-day workweek as government considers reform

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — The Albanese government is open to a four-day working week in Australia, as unions press claims that shorter hours could actually boost productivity nationwide. 

The proposal is expected to be debated at a major productivity roundtable in Canberra from August 19, convened by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and bringing together leaders from business, unions, and community groups.

Business advocates tax reform, unions push shorter workweek

The push for a four-day workweek, drawing inspiration from France’s early 2000s policies, comes amid concerns over Australia’s sluggish economic growth and faltering productivity. 

Major business groups, including the Business Council and the Australian Industry Group, are expected to counter with calls for corporate tax cuts, arguing they are vital “to turn the country’s productivity performance around” and drive more business investment.

Union leaders see things differently. Steve Murphy, national secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, claims there are a variety of ways to reduce working hours without cuts to pay, including a four-day week or nine-day fortnights. 

Unions argue that work-life balance “is more important… than a cut in income tax or company tax,” and that less is sometimes more when it comes to productivity.

Government seeks consensus amid differing productivity solutions

When pressed on whether a four-day week is on the table, Minister Tanya Plibersek said, “We’ll listen to all views respectfully,” and stressed the government’s willingness to “invest in our people, boost training, invest in technologies and new ways of working.” 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese added, “We want to build the broadest possible base of support for further economic reform to drive growth, boost productivity, strengthen the budget, and secure the resilience of our economy.”

Albanese cautioned against simply compiling a list of proposals that “aren’t progressed,” emphasizing his preference for practical measures with “as broad a support as possible.”

Productivity roundtable to consider four-day workweek for Australia

The roundtable will feature around 25 key players, including representatives from major business groups, unions like the Australian Council of Trade Unions, and voices from civil society. 

While the proposal for a four-day week has its skeptics, some warn it could worsen Australia’s productivity crisis if not properly implemented—the government is seeking focused dialogue that leads to “concrete and tangible actions” for economic reform.

Meanwhile, South Cambridgeshire District Council has become the first in the United Kingdom to permanently adopt a four-day working week for its staff at full pay, following a decisive vote by councilors.