Ep 74: Offshore Freelancers, Fair Work & The End of the $5 VA Fantasy

2025-06-15

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For years, businesses have enjoyed the bottom-line benefits of cheap offshore freelancers — but a game-changing Fair Work Commission ruling just flipped the script.In this episode, I break down what really happened when an offshore Filipino freelancer was deemed entitled to workplace protections from an Australian business they were contracted to — and why it could spell the end of dodgy “$5 an hour VA” deals.We talk:👉 The difference between contractors and employees👉 The legal risks you might not know you’re taking👉 Why the price gap ...

For years, businesses have enjoyed the bottom-line benefits of cheap offshore freelancers — but a game-changing Fair Work Commission ruling just flipped the script.

In this episode, I break down what really happened when an offshore Filipino freelancer was deemed entitled to workplace protections from an Australian business they were contracted to — and why it could spell the end of dodgy “$5 an hour VA” deals.

We talk:
👉 The difference between contractors and employees
👉 The legal risks you might not know you’re taking
👉 Why the price gap between offshore and onshore is closing fast
👉 And why now, more than ever, Australian VAs are the smart, compliant choice for growing businesses

💬 “Cheap doesn’t always mean cost-effective. In fact, it might be the most expensive mistake you make.”

If you're outsourcing work, thinking about hiring a VA, or just want to stay on the right side of workplace law — this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Press play and future-proof your business!

Theme music: 'The Typewriter' by Leroy Anderson. Used with express permission.

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Resources & References:

(all links correct at time of publishing)

ABC News: This Filipino woman struck a blow against Australian businesses 'exploiting' offshore workers

eSOs Blog: Employee or VA

eSOS Blog: Benefits of VAs

VA Institute: Offshore is Over

(Other relevant episodes included below)