Launceston Council Set to Become First Australian Government Body to Adopt Four-Day Week
A landmark proposal in Tasmania could see the City of Launceston become the first government organisation in Australia to formally implement a four-day working week for its employees. The council is poised to make industrial history with an enterprise agreement that would grant full-time staff a shorter working week while maintaining their full five-day salaries.
Details of the Progressive Work Reform Proposal
Under the proposed agreement, approximately 600 council employees would transition to working around 30 hours across four days, while retaining 100 per cent of their current remuneration. The deal, which workers are set to vote on, includes not only the reduced hours but also improved allowances and expanded leave entitlements according to union representatives.
City of Launceston chief executive Sam Johnson has championed the move, arguing that the traditional five-day work week has become outdated and no longer reflects contemporary working life. "This is a bold and progressive proposal that recognises the changing nature of work and the importance of wellbeing, productivity and sustainability in the public sector," Johnson stated.
"A four-day week on full pay, with improved allowances and leave entitlements, would deliver real benefits for our people, as well as improved service delivery for the community we serve." Johnson has expressed his desire to see this model enshrined in law nationwide, positioning Launceston as a trailblazer in work reform.
Business Community Voices Concerns Over Costs and Services
However, the proposal has drawn criticism from local business representatives who warn of potential negative consequences. Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Bailey has raised significant concerns, describing the move as effectively a 20 per cent reduction in hours worked for the same pay.
"At a time when rates are already rising above CPI, most ratepayers and small businesses will see this as a 20 per cent pay rise for council staff with no clear return for the community," Bailey cautioned. He emphasised that as a monopoly provider of essential regulatory services, any reduction in council efficiency could directly impact local businesses and development projects.
"If service slows down, projects are delayed, costs blow out and investment is put at risk. That is the opposite of what Launceston needs right now," Bailey added, highlighting the potential economic implications of the proposed changes.
International Precedents and Union Support
Proponents of the four-day week point to successful international implementations. Rae Cooper, director at the Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion at Work, noted that European studies have found "at worst no reduction in productivity and at best significant improvements" from adopting shorter working weeks.
Iceland made history in 2019 by becoming one of the first countries to approve a four-day work week, while France legislated a 35-hour full-time work week in 2000 and began piloting a four-day working week in 2024. These international examples provide context for Launceston's pioneering proposal.
ASU Tasmanian Branch Secretary Tash Wark confirmed that the majority of union members support the proposed agreement. "This is a collaborative effort to address attraction and retention challenges, and the union is pleased this is a solid commitment from council," she remarked.
Trade-Offs and Implementation Timeline
The proposed agreement includes several trade-offs in exchange for the reduced working week. A new pay deal would cap wage increases at 1 per cent for two years, following a one-off 5 per cent pay rise at the start of bargaining. Additionally, superannuation contributions would decrease from 15.25 per cent to 12 per cent.
If a majority of eligible employees vote in favour of the agreement next month, it will be lodged with the Fair Work Commission for formal approval. Should the proposal receive the necessary endorsements, the new working arrangements are scheduled to commence in July, positioning Launceston at the forefront of Australian workplace reform.
This development comes as millions of Australians continue to navigate long working hours, rising living costs, and increasing concerns about workplace burnout, making the four-day week proposal particularly timely and relevant to contemporary workforce challenges.
