The political landscape for British workers could be set for a significant shift, as The Greens have successfully secured a Senate inquiry into a groundbreaking bill that would grant Australians a legal right to work from home. This federal push promises to reshape workplaces across the country.
The Push for National Flexible Work Legislation
The Education and Employment Legislation Committee will now scrutinise the proposal, which seeks to amend the Fair Work Act to legally permit employees to work remotely for up to two days per week. Greens workplace relations spokesperson, Senator Barbara Pocock, championed the move, stating that flexible work is now a mainstream expectation, with two-thirds of Australians supporting such arrangements.
Senator Pocock emphasised that 'flexible working arrangements are an essential feature of modern workplaces'. She outlined the multifaceted benefits, noting that 'working from home reduces commuting, improves wellbeing, and boosts productivity, while also supporting women and carers'. With most Australian workers covered by federal law, she argued for a 'sensible, national approach' to enshrine this right.
Industry Backing and a Landmark Legal Precedent
The initiative has been welcomed by industry leaders. Sabrina Scherm from the HR platform HiBob described the inquiry as a pivotal opportunity to transition workplace flexibility from a mere 'perk' to a fundamental right. 'Australia is finally having a serious conversation about modernising how we work,' she stated.
Scherm challenged the outdated debate, asserting, 'But let's be real, this isn't about avoiding the commute. It's all about equity and performance.' She highlighted that 56 per cent of employees report being equally or more productive when working remotely, especially with the integration of AI tools, making a compelling business case for flexibility.
This political momentum follows a landmark legal victory for remote work. In a high-profile case, the Fair Work Commission ruled that Westpac acted unlawfully in rejecting an employee's request to work from home. The employee, Karlene Chandler, had sought to work remotely to care for her two six-year-old children, including taking them to and from school.
The commission found that Westpac failed to respond within the 21-day timeframe, did not genuinely engage with Ms. Chandler, and provided no specific reasoning for its decision. Fair Work Commissioner Sharon Durham revealed that hundreds of similar disputes have been resolved behind closed doors, indicating a widespread issue where employers may be inadvertently breaking the law.
What Happens Next for Flexible Work?
The Senate inquiry is now set to hear evidence from a range of stakeholders, including unions, before it is required to hand down its final recommendations by March 26, 2026. This federal action also comes on the heels of a pledge from Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan to introduce similar legislation at the state level early next year.
This concerted effort signals a potential permanent transformation in employment law, moving the nation towards a future where flexible work is not just an option, but a protected right for millions.
