Season 09 Episode 12: “Puppy-Gate” and Stripping as a Side-Hussle

WARNING: This episode includes discussion on stripping as a trade – we advise listener discretion

Alan reflects on the South Australian work-from-home ‘puppy-gate’ test of law when a local government worker claimed worker’s compensation for an injury she sustained while working from home. In this instance, she tripped over a puppy fence she’d installed in the home to segregate her puppy from a pet bunny.

Here is the breakdown of the case:

• Initial Decision: The Local Government Association Workers Compensation Scheme (LGAWCS) rejected Ms. Vercoe's claim.
• The Appeal: Ms. Vercoe (the employee) appealed that decision to the South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET).
• The Ruling: In October 2024, the SAET ruled in favour of Ms. Vercoe, finding that her injuries were compensable, arising from her employment.
• Appeal Decision (Full Bench of SAET): On 8 December 2025, the Full Bench of the SAET overturned their earlier ruling. The case was sent back to the original Tribunal member to reconsider and proper applications of the legal test.

“But can you appeal an appeal?” Sara begs to know. Trajce replies, “Short answer is, yes, potentially anything; the apex of the court structure is The High Court.” Trajce and Sara engage in debate with Alan about the merits of work from home, or anywhere for that matter (W-F-A), and the legal tests of environmental and technical safety.

For more information, refer to Vercoe v Local Government Association Workers Compensation Scheme (2024)

Alan presents a second case from Victoria about a construction worker stripper with a thumb injury, a decision in the County Court of Victoria. Alan explains, “The decision was whether or not to grant leave of the courts to consider the case.” He leaves the team guessing about the sex of the worker and circumstances pertaining to the case.

For more on these topics, tune in to:

· S01 E03: Pets ‘n’ Air Fryers

· S01 E07: Design When we Work-From-Anywhere

· S04 E02: The WooFA Work-From-Anywhere (WFA) Reality

· S07 E10: That Old Chestnut – Pets & Work From Home