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Melba CEO Hayley Dean has expressed concern about the current debate surrounding policies that could end work-from-home arrangements in some sectors, highlighting the significant impact this could have on people with disability.

The proposed policy would mandate a full return to the office for public servants five days a week, with exceptions only allowed under specific circumstances. This change has raised concerns, particularly regarding the consequences for people with disability, who already face significantly lower employment rates compared with the general population.

Hayley said working remotely had been an essential tool for increasing accessibility in employment for people with disability, particularly those who face difficulties with commuting or working in traditional office environments.

“For many people with disability, travelling to and from a physical workplace can be a significant barrier,” she said. “Remote work removes those obstacles and allows people to contribute meaningfully in a way that suits their needs. Taking away this option will only push more people out of the workforce.”

Hayley also emphasized that work-from-home arrangements have been a transformative force in breaking down barriers and creating more equitable employment opportunities.

“Hybrid work models improve job satisfaction and retention, especially for those who need flexibility due to health or mobility challenges,” she said. “This policy would disregard those benefits and hinder progress.”

The potential impact on the disability community extends beyond the people who directly benefit from remote work. Hayley noted that many young people with disability who are not yet in employment rely on support at home, which often requires their support network/carers to work part-time or take on flexible roles.

“In many cases, people are forced to leave the workforce because their employer can’t accommodate the necessary flexibility,” she said.

“The proposed policy would force even more people to quit their jobs, so they can continue providing support, further exacerbating the challenges faced by families with disability.”

Hayley said we still have a long way to go in ensuring people with disability are treated equally in employment, and the policy being debated would represent a major setback in these efforts.