Federal government contemplating changes to industrial relations laws, including a 'right to disconnect'

If you've ever found yourself replying to a 10pm email, or fielding a phone call from the boss during a Saturday afternoon barbecue, and wondered "should I be getting paid for this? The federal government is contemplating a range of new changes to industrial relations laws, including a 'right to disconnect', aimed at protecting workers who feel like work is creeping more and more into their home life. The new right is one of a bunch of other changes the government is trying to pass through the Senate this week, including a definition of casual work and minimum standards for 'gig workers' like Uber drivers. Industrial relations changes Photo shows David Pocock sits behind Jacqui Lambie while she speaks in the senate First responders will have easier access to post-traumatic stress disorder compensation and contractors will receive the same pay as full-time employees in the same role, after the government agreed to crossbench demands. But some have raised concerns with the government's intention to leave it entirely to the Fair Work Commission to determine those minimum standards — concerned that the FWC may grant gig workers most of the rights of an ordinary employee.