Australians may soon gain the legal right to work from home as the Greens party has initiated a Senate inquiry into a significant amendment to the Fair Work Act. This proposed legislation aims to permit employees to work remotely for up to two days a week, potentially transforming workplace dynamics across the country.
The inquiry, led by the Education and Employment Legislation Committee, comes in response to growing support for flexible work arrangements. According to Senator Barbara Pocock, the Greens’ spokesperson on workplace relations, two-thirds of Australians currently favor remote work options. She emphasized that flexible working conditions are essential in modern workplaces, stating, “Working from home reduces commuting, improves wellbeing, and boosts productivity, while also supporting women and carers.”
Pocock advocated for a national standard, stressing the need for a cohesive approach to workplace rights that reflects the evolving nature of work in 2025 and beyond. Her comments align with a broader movement towards enhancing workers’ rights and adapting to contemporary work environments.
The push for this legislation follows a similar commitment from Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, who has announced plans to introduce related measures at the state level early next year. The Greens argue that the benefits of working from home extend beyond individual convenience, highlighting its potential to increase workforce participation and productivity, particularly for women.
Industry leaders have also voiced their support for the inquiry. Sabrina Scherm, representing the human resources platform HiBob, described the inquiry as an opportunity to redefine workplace flexibility from a mere “perk” to a fundamental right. “Australia is finally having a serious conversation about modernizing how we work,” Scherm noted. “This isn’t about avoiding the commute; it’s about equity and performance.”
The inquiry will gather insights from various stakeholders and unions, with recommendations expected by March 26, 2026. The discussion arises amid ongoing disputes regarding flexible work requests at the Fair Work Commission.
A notable case shedding light on the need for flexible work rights involved Karlene Chandler, a Westpac employee. In late October, the Fair Work Commission ruled that Westpac unlawfully denied her request to work from home to care for her young twins. The commission found that Westpac failed to engage with her request adequately and did not provide a valid rationale for its decision. This landmark ruling has underscored the rights of workers seeking flexible arrangements and has been viewed as a warning to mainstream businesses that the era of flexible work is far from over.
Fair Work Commissioner Sharon Durham revealed that numerous similar disputes have been resolved behind closed doors, often without employers realizing they were in violation of workplace laws. The inquiry into the Greens’ proposal signifies a pivotal moment in Australian labor relations, with the potential to reshape the future of work across the nation.
