Fair Work orders Victoria University to trial work-from-home for older worker
Fair Work ordered Victoria University to test one day working from home for a 63-year-old. The reason was commute fatigue.
Michele Duffy is a 63-year-old student adviser at Victoria University. Duffy asked to work from home two days a week.
The university said no. Commissioner Oanh Thi Tran approved a one-day trial after Duffy provided evidence of commute fatigue. Workers over 55 can appeal their employer's flexible work decisions under the Fair Work Act.
A recruitment expert said the ruling is unlikely to spark many similar claims. Hybrid work is already common.
Research shows 43 per cent of job seekers reject roles requiring five days in the office. The Victorian government is considering laws to guarantee two days of work-from-home per week.
The bill is unlikely to pass before the November election.
- 63 years old
- Applicant's age
- Six months
- Trial length ordered
- 43 per cent
- Job seekers rejecting five-day office
Why it mattersThe ruling shows flexibility can be required even for roles with face-to-face requirements. This shifts how employers manage older workers' needs.
AustraliaAustralian employers and workers over 55 may see more flexible work claims granted; Victoria could lead policy change if its WFH law passes.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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