‘Working from home’ in Sydney, man caught holidaying in Singapore after company tracks laptop

Charles Graham, a currency dealer working for HIFX Australia, was fired after being caught holidaying in Singapore while his employer believed he should have been working remotely from Sydney. The company discovered his location discrepancy on November 17, 2025, after he had been in Singapore since the 17th. Graham had previously misrepresented his whereabouts, claiming to work from home while his manager was expecting him to work from Sydney due to a plumber visit - in reality, he was in Bali.

He initially requested permission to work from Singapore, but his application was denied because his position was based in Sydney and the company lacked a license to operate there. Graham claimed his partner's health issues prevented his return, but Xe was unconvinced, as his medical documentation did not prove his partner was unable to travel, and he had failed to inform his manager about his situation, despite a backlog of emails and client complaints.

Xe argued Graham's dishonesty warranted his dismissal, and the Fair Work Commission agreed, upholding the company's decision. However, they noted flaws in Xe's handling of the process, but ultimately awarded Graham four weeks' pay in lieu of notice rather than dismissal compensation.