Murrumbidgee Council launches Australia’s first four‑day work‑week trial

Murrumbidgee Council in New South Wales will become the first Australian local authority to trial a compressed four‑day, 38‑hour work week. The 15‑month pilot, set to begin in January, will see most council services close on Fridays, while the childcare centre, caravan park and essential on‑call staff remain operational.

Council General Manager John Scarce said the plan aims to attract staff, boost productivity and give employees 52 long weekends over the year. Staff and community consultations showed about 75 % of employees support the change. The trial’s performance will be reviewed after 12 months, with an additional three months to analyse data, staff votes and elected‑representative feedback before deciding whether to continue or abandon the model.