Working conditions
Report
‘Simple change’ or ‘overreach’: legislating for working from home
The concept of working from home (WFH) has been around for many years, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced a dramatic change in workplaces. This paper examines the concept of WFH, its recent rapid uptake and key issues surrounding the Victorian government’s proposal to legislate a right to WFH in 2026.
Report
State of the sector 2025: Queensland's community service sector
In mid-2025, meetings conducted in seven regional cities and in South East Queensland heard directly from frontline workers, community sector leaders and volunteers in the sector. This report collates feedback and data to provide an overview of emerging and growing challenges for the sector. The results show a sector in need of support.
Report
State of our TAFE
This report presents the findings of the 2025 State of our TAFE survey. It finds excessive workloads, insecure employment and uncompetitive pay are driving skilled teachers out of the sector. The report sets out an agenda for governments to secure TAFE’s future and match investment in TAFE students with investments in the TAFE workforce and...
Report
Workplace trauma on the social housing and homelessness frontline
People working in the housing and homelessness sector are exposed to significant trauma in their role as service providers of last resort. This research explores workplace trauma in Australia’s social housing and homelessness services – including its extent, causes and impacts. It examines practices to address this trauma, options to mitigate it and guiding principles...
Report
Research examining pathways to secondary psychological injury
This report examines the key drivers that contribute to an injured worker developing a secondary psychological injury in Australia. Concerns have been raised about the impact of secondary psychological injury on worker recovery and return to work, claims costs and compensation scheme sustainability. Based on the findings, several policy and practice recommendations are proposed.