Overview
- Deputy president Thomas Roberts found no reasonable business grounds to deny Karlene Chandler’s request and ordered Westpac to approve full-time remote work.
- The Commission noted Westpac failed to meet Fair Work Act procedures, including giving a written response within 21 days and setting out clear grounds for refusal.
- Chandler had worked remotely for years with strong performance, and the Commission found her mortgage-processing duties could be done entirely from home.
- Westpac had reversed her prior arrangement as it enforced a two-days-in-office policy; the bank says it is considering the decision and possible next steps.
- Unions and employment lawyers say the decision puts employers on notice to assess individual circumstances and not rely on blanket attendance policies.