Australian tribunal clarifies right to disconnect in small business ruling

A South Australian tribunal ruled a boss did not breach "right to disconnect" laws by sending employees messages and videos outside work hours, despite workers feeling pressured to respond. The ruling clarifies the law's scope for small businesses. The tribunal heard employees Amelia Elliot and Jessica Kalleske received non-urgent contact from Eco Hair Room owner Tanika McGuire, including social media videos and repeated calls. Deputy President Stephen Lieschke found no breach because the workers faced no consequences for not responding, and McGuire did not prevent them from disconnecting. The right to disconnect, introduced in 2024 and applied to small businesses from August 2025, lets employees ignore after-hours work contact. The ruling distinguishes between unwelcome communication and actual prevention of disconnecting, noting the contact was "unpleasant and intrusive" but not unlawful.