Overview
- The ruling grants Karlene Chandler, a part-time mortgage worker with 23 years at Westpac, the right to work remotely on a permanent basis.
- Westpac had reversed her earlier approval to work from home and required at least two days a week in a corporate office under its policy.
- Deputy president Thomas Roberts found the bank lacked reasonable business grounds to refuse the request and noted Chandler’s team had performed strongly while remote.
- The decision also cited Westpac’s failure to provide a written response within 21 days to her flexible work request as required under the Fair Work Act.
- Westpac says it is considering the decision and maintains its view that 2–3 in-office days balance collaboration and flexibility, as unions and lawyers warn employers to justify refusals; the ruling can be appealed.