BREAKING: Australians may soon secure the legal right to work from home as the Greens have initiated a significant amendment to the Fair Work Act. This urgent proposal, currently under Senate inquiry, seeks to allow employees to work remotely for up to two days a week, potentially reshaping the future of work across the nation.
The proposed legislation comes on the heels of a landmark ruling favoring flexible work arrangements, highlighting the growing demand for remote work options among the Australian workforce. Senator Barbara Pocock, the Greens’ workplace relations spokesperson, emphasized that two-thirds of Australians now support remote work, making it a mainstream expectation rather than a mere privilege.
“Flexible working arrangements are essential in modern workplaces,” Pocock stated. “Working from home reduces commuting, improves wellbeing, and boosts productivity, particularly benefiting women and carers.”
This push aligns with the commitment from Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, who plans to introduce similar legislation at the state level early next year, indicating a nationwide shift towards recognizing flexible work as a right.
Industry experts are also rallying behind this movement. Sabrina Scherm, from human resources platform HiBob, remarked that this inquiry presents a pivotal opportunity to transform workplace flexibility from a “perk” into a fundamental right. She noted that with 56% of employees reporting equal or enhanced productivity while working remotely, the case for flexibility is compelling.
The Senate inquiry will gather insights from stakeholders and unions, aiming to deliver recommendations by March 26, 2026. The urgency of this inquiry is underscored by ongoing disputes regarding flexible work requests at the Fair Work Commission.
Among the notable cases is the victory of Karlene Chandler, a Westpac employee who won the right to work from home to care for her young twins. The Fair Work Commission ruled that Westpac unlawfully denied her request, setting a precedent for future flexible work arrangements.
Fair Work Commissioner Sharon Durham revealed that hundreds of similar disputes are being resolved behind closed doors, indicating that many employers may be unknowingly breaching the law regarding flexible work.
As discussions intensify around the future of work in Australia, this inquiry could mark a transformative moment for employees nationwide. The outcome will not only impact the current workforce but also shape workplace policies for years to come.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds, and consider what these changes could mean for your working life.
