<p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>We talk:<br />👉 The difference between contractors and employees<br />👉 The legal risks you might not know you’re taking<br />👉 Why the price gap between offshore and onshore is closing fast<br />👉 And why now, more than ever, Australian VAs are the smart, compliant choice for growing businesses</p><p><br /></p><p>💬 “Cheap doesn’t always mean cost-effective. In fact, it might be the most expensive mistake you make.”</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>🎧 Press play and future-proof your business!</p><p><br /></p><p>© <a href="https://www.execstress.com/about-australian-virtual-assistant/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠⁠⁠Lyn Prowse-Bishop⁠⁠⁠</a></p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Theme music: 'The Typewriter' by Leroy Anderson. Used with express permission.</strong></p><p>====================</p><p><strong>Resources &amp; References:</strong></p><p><em>(all links correct at time of publishing)</em></p><p><br /></p><p>ABC News: <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-03/filipino-woman-changed-game-for-australias-offshore-workers/104750996" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">This Filipino woman struck a blow against Australian businesses 'exploiting' offshore workers</a></p><p>eSOs Blog: <a href="https://www.execstress.com/employee-or-va/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Employee or VA</a> </p><p>eSOS Blog: <a href="https://www.execstress.com/gain-efficiency-cut-costs-benefits-of-virtual-assistants/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Benefits of VAs</a> </p><p>VA Institute: <a href="https://www.vainstitute.com/post/offshore-is-over-why-the-smart-money-is-on-australian-vas-and-freelancers" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Offshore is Over</a></p><p>(Other relevant episodes included below)</p>