
Victoria plans to make work from home a legal right for employees
'We're doing that because we know what the evidence tells us—workers are more productive, it saves time for families, it saves money for families,' Allan said. She emphasised that the policy would make remote work 'a right, not a request' for eligible employees.
The proposed legislation could save workers an estimated $110 weekly while reducing road congestion and supporting women's workforce participation. The policy will undergo consultation with businesses, unions, and workers before being finalised.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin acknowledged the benefits of flexible work arrangements, stating his support for initiatives that improve work-life balance. The proposal follows the federal Liberal-National coalition's unsuccessful push to end remote work during May's elections, which contributed to their electoral setback.
The bill is expected to be introduced in Victoria's parliament next year. - AFP

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The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Thailand's political index drops to 3.86 amid border tensions, floods
A soldier consoles Kimdaeng Krajangthong (L) and Tin Krajangthong (2nd L), the parents of Royal Thai Army soldier Theerayuth Krajangthong, 22, who died in clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in Sisaket province, during funeral rites at a Buddhist temple in the Thai border province of Buriram on July 30, 2025. he recent survey found that one of the top government achievements was providing support to people along the Thai-Cambodian border. - AFP BANGKOK: Thailand's political index dropped to 3.86 in July, reflecting growing public concerns over a range of issues, including tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border and flooding in the North, Suan Dusit Poll reported on Sunday (Aug 3). The poll, conducted by Suan Dusit University, revealed that the index — based on 25 indicators — had declined from 4.13 in June, with almost all indicators showing a decrease. The survey was conducted among 2,171 respondents between 26 and 31 July. The results showed that only one indicator — the government's disclosure of public information — had improved, rising from 4.11 in June to 4.20 in July. Two indicators remained unchanged from the previous month: Overall performance of political parties: 4.20 Overall social situation: 4.08 The top five indicators were: Opposition performance: 4.36 (down from 5.15 in June) People's rights and liberties: 4.34 (4.58 in June) Public education development: 4.33 (4.45 in June) People's inclusion: 4.31 (4.38 in June) Overall performance of political parties: 4.20 (unchanged) Asst Prof Kanyakarn Sathiensukhon of Suan Dusit Poll said several incidents in June had affected public sentiment, including reports of sex scandals involving senior Buddhist monks, the Thai-US trade negotiations, an audio clip of a conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate president Hun Sen, Thai-Cambodian border clashes, and flooding in the North. She noted that the indicator measuring the prime minister's performance fell from 3.97 in June to 3.43 in July — the lowest score so far this year — reflecting growing dissatisfaction with both the government's performance and its communication with the public. The survey found the top three government achievements were: 42.21%: Sending explanations to the United States regarding border conflicts 40.51%: Providing support to people along the Thai-Cambodian border 17.28%: Implementing the 20-baht flat fare policy for electric railways The top three performing government politicians were: 44.05%: Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security 29.85%: Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior 26.10%: Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister - The Nation/ANN


The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Filmmakers try to cash in on India-Pakistan battle
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The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Victoria plans to make work from home a legal right for employees
SYDNEY: The Victorian government has unveiled plans to legally guarantee work-from-home rights, ensuring employees can work remotely for a minimum of two days per week where possible. Premier Jacinta Allan announced the proposal at the Labor Party's state conference, framing it as a productivity and cost-saving measure. 'We're doing that because we know what the evidence tells us—workers are more productive, it saves time for families, it saves money for families,' Allan said. She emphasised that the policy would make remote work 'a right, not a request' for eligible employees. The proposed legislation could save workers an estimated $110 weekly while reducing road congestion and supporting women's workforce participation. The policy will undergo consultation with businesses, unions, and workers before being finalised. Opposition Leader Brad Battin acknowledged the benefits of flexible work arrangements, stating his support for initiatives that improve work-life balance. The proposal follows the federal Liberal-National coalition's unsuccessful push to end remote work during May's elections, which contributed to their electoral setback. The bill is expected to be introduced in Victoria's parliament next year. - AFP