‘Completely ridiculous’: Brisbane women slam Dutton’s WFH wind back

West End locals Siobhan Batt and Mia Tourell say Opposition leader Peter Dutton’s work-from-home policy would negatively impact women, mothers, single parents and fathers. VOTE NOW

Young female voters, (L-R) Siobhan Batt and Mia Tourell, talk about the upcoming federal election, in West End. Pic: Lyndon Mechielsen.

West End locals Siobhan Batt and Mia Tourell say Opposition leader Peter Dutton’s work-from-home policy was “completely ridiculous” and the policy affected not just women and mothers, but single parents and fathers as well.

“There is just no reason for it, and another thing too is that through Covid, people moved out rurally to afford property,” Ms Batt said.

“Working from home allowed them to do that, it has allowed people to get into the housing market.”

“But the policy is also not a future way forward,” Ms Tourell agreed.

Ms Batt believed that Mr Dutton had not presented any strong policies this election, including the fuel excise announcement.

“The ones that he has publicly expressed are weak,” she said.

Federal opposition leader Peter Dutton wants work from home arrangements scaled back. Picture: Sharon Smith

Ms Batt said she would vote for a majority Labor government if the party put forward strong policies, particularly around housing affordability.

“Addressing housing inequality and addressing housing affordability is in everyone’s best interest,” Ms Batt said.

“I want to see some meaningful policy regarding housing, especially rental housing, we both live in Brisbane. We want to stay living in the same city that we work in and be able to afford it.

“The rent keeps skyrocketing, it keeps happening. It’s getting worse and worse and worse and nobody at the top, in the ALP or the LNP is really doing anything to address that. They’re kind of skirting around the issue.”

Ms Tourell said the one policy she approved of from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was the move to further slash medication prices on Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

“That’s a direct help for the cost of living as well, you can see the benefits there. Again, it isn’t just going to help women but all Australians,” she said.

Originally published as ‘Completely ridiculous’: Brisbane women slam Dutton’s WFH wind back