A Western Australian Labor MP has drawn criticism on social media after likening her return to federal parliament to fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) work, prompting accusations that the comparison was out of touch with the realities faced by mining and resources workers.
MP Tania Lawrence posted on Facebook that she and fellow Labor MP Zaneta Mascarenhas were heading back to Canberra “like FIFO workers” to legislate on reforms, including measures to improve life for university students on campus and stronger telecommunications protections for consumers.
“We’ve got your back,” Lawrence wrote.
The post quickly attracted a flurry of responses, with many commenters taking issue with the FIFO comparison. Several said the remark diminished the demanding conditions faced by FIFO workers, who often spend extended periods away from their families in physically challenging environments.
One commenter said the post could be interpreted “so many different ways” and described the comparison as inappropriate, noting that FIFO work typically involves “dirty and hot” conditions. Another wrote that it was “disrespectful” to compare parliamentary travel with FIFO roles, pointing out that many FIFO workers spend months each year away from home.
Others argued the two roles were “chalk and cheese”, saying MPs have far more choice and flexibility than FIFO workers. “It’s like comparing going on holidays to going to a detention centre,” one comment read, while still encouraging Labor to “keep up the good work”.
Additional comments accused politicians of being disconnected from everyday work realities, with some questioning the trend of “glamorising FIFO work” and others saying Australia did not need “fly-in politicians”.
The comments emerged as federal MPs return to Canberra for the first scheduled sitting of parliament for 2026, with the legislative agenda expected to be dominated by economic reform.
The Treasurer has indicated the May federal budget is likely to feature spending restraint, alongside a renewed focus on productivity and tax reform. He has also left the door open to potential changes to capital gains tax settings, fuelling speculation that the government may seek to revive elements of its 2019 proposal to impose heavier taxes on property investors.
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