Australians who work from home should have their salaries reduced in comparison to their colleagues who have to attend a workplace, a former Victorian premier has suggested.
Jeff Kennett has told 3AW people working from home - particularly public servants - should be paid less than other workers, such as emergency service workers and nurses, who have no choice but to physically attend a workplace each day.
The former Liberal politician has said those working from home are saving money and hassle in having to travel to a workplace and therefore should receive less salary.
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Kennett told 3AW Breakfast he was worried about a psychological "divide" emerging in society since the working-from-home trend began from COVID-19 lockdowns, saying he was thinking about the future.
"I'm worried about divide that's occurring between those who can productively work from home and those who have to go to work," he said.
"It's a divide we can't quite understand yet."
He clarified that the proposal was nothing to do with the amount of work produced by employees.
"I'm not suggesting that people who work from home are less productive, but I am saying there are increased costs for people who have to go to work."
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Kennett told the Herald Sun that the idea would help get more public sector workers back into the workplace.
A public sector union spokesperson has said that 80 per cent of its staff are working in the field, and that it would be counter intuitive for them to have the salary benefits removed as productivity rates have gone up since flexible work places have been introduced.
The Andrews Government has also responded to Kennett's suggestion by saying it will not take advice from the former Liberal leader, but that the idea would be a bold push to get people back into the office.
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