The Launceston City Council has decided to scrap its plans for implementing a four-day work week after facing significant backlash from various stakeholders, particularly from the business sector. The scheme was to have been a national first for any government organization in Australia, representing a groundbreaking shift in work structure. However, the reaction from ratepayers and other concerned parties included reports of abuse directed at council staff, leading to the decision's reversal.

Initially, the Launceston City Council and the Australian Services Union (ASU) had reached an in-principle agreement that would allow employees to work a reduced hour week of 30.4 hours spread over four days without any pay cuts. If successful, this plan would have set a precedent for other councils and government bodies across the nation. However, the council chief executive noted that the backlash highlighted a lack of readiness for such a significant structural change within the community and among businesses.

The CEO of the Launceston City Council has mentioned that despite scrapping the current proposal, there is an intention to eventually pursue the four-day working week reform. The council plans to gather the necessary evidence and community feedback to ensure that the initiative is adequately supported before revisiting it, thus implying a careful approach to any future discussions about work week reform in Launceston.