PaperCut software engineer Richard Johnson argued his 2022 employment contract gave him an unconditional right to work from his Melbourne home. Over the following months, Johnson continued to reject the direction, insisting his contract entitled him to work entirely from home. Commissioner Connolly said under the contract, in the event the company's policy changed, working from home might no longer be allowed. During that dispute, Westpac defended its hybrid work policy, arguing a minimum level of office attendance was essential for effective teamwork and business operations. Sydney University professor emeritus Joellen Riley said relying on the wording of an employment contract offers workers limited protection, as outcomes are highly dependent on the specific facts of each case.

Source: Daily Mail January 28, 2026 19:13 UTC