Australians may soon gain the legal right to work from home, following a Senate inquiry initiated by the Greens to amend the Fair Work Act. This initiative, which aims to allow employees to work remotely for up to two days a week, could significantly transform workplace dynamics across the nation.
The Education and Employment Legislation Committee will review the proposed bill, supported by strong public sentiment. According to recent surveys, approximately two-thirds of Australians back flexible work arrangements. Senator Barbara Pocock, the Greens’ workplace relations spokesperson, emphasized that flexible working is now a mainstream expectation, stating, “Flexible working arrangements are an essential feature of modern workplaces.”
Pocock highlighted the numerous benefits of remote work, including reduced commuting times, improved wellbeing, and increased productivity. She noted that these arrangements particularly support women and caregivers, advocating for a national approach to ensure flexibility in the workplace. “Given that most workers in Australia are covered by federal workplace law, it makes practical sense to ensure this right at the national level,” Pocock said.
This legislative push follows a pledge from Jacinta Allan, the Premier of Victoria, to introduce similar legislation at the state level in early 2026. The Greens argue that the benefits of working from home are substantial, particularly in enhancing workforce participation and productivity.
Industry voices have reacted positively, including Sabrina Scherm, a representative from the human resources platform HiBob. Scherm believes the inquiry represents an opportunity to elevate workplace flexibility from a “perk” to a fundamental right. “Australia is finally having a serious conversation about modernising how we work,” she remarked.
Scherm pointed out that the ongoing debate has often been framed as a choice between office work and remote work. She contended that the focus should shift toward equity and performance, stating, “Legislating flexibility forces us to stop managing by headcount and start managing by impact.” With 56 percent of workers reporting equal or greater productivity when working remotely, particularly with the aid of AI tools, the business case for flexibility is becoming increasingly compelling.
The Senate inquiry is set to gather insights from various stakeholders and unions, with recommendations expected by March 26, 2026. This inquiry occurs against a backdrop of rising conflicts over flexible work requests at the Fair Work Commission.
A notable case in this context involved Karlene Chandler, a former employee of Westpac, who successfully challenged the bank’s refusal to allow her to work from home while caring for her two young children. In late October, the Fair Work Commission ruled that Westpac had acted unlawfully in denying her request. The Commission found that the bank failed to engage meaningfully with Chandler’s request and did not respond within the required timeframe. This landmark decision has been viewed as a significant victory for working parents and a clear signal to businesses about the evolving expectations surrounding flexible work.
Fair Work Commissioner Sharon Durham noted that hundreds of similar workplace disputes have been resolved quietly, suggesting many employers may inadvertently violate existing laws regarding flexible work arrangements. The Greens’ push for legislative change underscores a growing recognition of the necessity for adaptable work conditions in the modern workforce. As discussions continue, the outcome of the Senate inquiry will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of work in Australia.
