Offshore is Over: Why the Smart Money is on Australian VAs and Freelancers

For years, small businesses who were looking for additional administrative, creative or technical support were often encouraged to use offshore Virtual Assistants. Touted across small business networks as the ultimate cost-cutting solution for micro and small business owners, it’s easy to understand why when the logic seemed simple: lower hourly rates equals better margins. But as the business world evolves (and as the legal landscape catches up) it’s time to re-examine that narrative.

A recent Fair Work Commission ruling has completely shifted the goal posts - https://amp.abc.net.au/article/104750996

In 2024, an Australian company that engaged a Filipino VA found itself at the centre of a legal storm when that VA was deemed, under law, to be an employee. Despite being based offshore, the working relationship as evidenced by the terms of control, hours, direction, and integration were shown to mirror that of a standard employee as defined under the Fair Work Act of Australia.

Let that sink in; a supposed “contractor” who was based overseas was ruled an employee in the eyes of Australian law.

The ramifications are far reaching and come with the full suite of obligations that include minimum wage, entitlements, unfair dismissal protections and more. This ruling sets a new precedent, and business owners in Australia need to pay attention. Put simply; if you’re engaging offshore VAs in a way that mirrors an employer-employee dynamic, you may now be liable for far more than you bargained for.

And here’s the game-changer: the price gap that once made offshore VAs so attractive is rapidly closing.

When you factor in legal risks, time zone delays, cultural misalignments, language nuances, and the hidden cost of micro-management, that once “cheap” option often becomes the most expensive mistake a business can make. ⸻ 

Okay… so what’s the alternative?

The answer is our local industry of independent Australian VAs, and here’s what makes them not just better, but an all-round smarter choice.

1. They’re true independent contractors

   They’re not pseudo-employees, so there is no grey area or legal ambiguity. These highly skilled local professionals run their own businesses and offer services on their terms... and are fully compliant, fully insured, and totally above-board.

   
   

2. They understand the Australian business environment… intimately

   Australian VAs speak the language, both literally and culturally. They understand our systems, industries, and expectations. They don’t need to be taught how to interpret local tone or etiquette. They’re already fluent in it.

   
   

3. They deliver outcomes, not just hours

   The best onshore VAs aren’t here to clock time… they’re here to make a positive impact in their clients' businesses. While actively supporting micro and small businesses with everything from executive support to creative services, tech implementation to client engagement, they are strategic partners with serious capability who are focused on results.

   
   

4. It's win-win for both you AND your customer

   Clear communication, culturally aligned service, and fast response times aren’t just good for you… they’re good for your clients, too. Every layer of your customer experience improves when your back-end support is streamlined and local.

   
   

5. They’re flexible and scalable

   Need someone to complete a task two a week… or perhaps you need a powerhouse solution that is able to support you across multiple services. Onshore VAs are business owners who can flex and adapt to suit your changing needs - all without the red tape that comes with full time or part time employees which, in simple terms, means that you get the benefit of a skilled business partner, and not another compliance headache.

It’s high time we reframe this whole conversation about offshore vs onshore.

While the allure of offshore has always been linked to the cost saving benefits, the reality is that the illusion is fading fast. When you weigh it all up and take into consideration the Fair Work ruling, plus all the other issues that can occur such as legal risk, operational friction, cyber security concerns, client dissatisfaction, and increased quality control processes, it's pretty clear that the smarter onshore option has been right here all along.

It’s time to invest in support that delivers value, agility, and peace of mind. It’s time to back our home-grown and highly skilled Australian Virtual Industry, and in doing so, back your own business success.  

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Want to learn more about how Australian VAs can help you scale sustainably and stay compliant? Visit Find a VA – your direct link to verified, skilled, independent professionals ready and willing to support your business growth.