Key Points
- Home and Away writers will shift from fixed-term contracts to permanent employment.
- The change follows sustained advocacy from the Australian Writers’ Guild (AWG).
- Permanent contracts eliminate yearly employment gaps and ensure holiday pay.
- The update aligns with 2022 Fair Work Act amendments restricting fixed-term contracts.
- The soap returns January 19, 2026, with major storylines and returning fan favorites.
Seven Network Implements Major Contract Overhaul for ‘Home and Away’ Writers
Home and Away is making a significant behind-the-scenes change as the long-running Australian soap heads into its Christmas production break. The Seven Network has confirmed that its script department will transition from fixed-term contracts to permanent employment, marking a major shift in how the show supports its writing team.
The decision arrives after years of campaigning by the Australian Writers’ Guild, which argued that the previous contract structure left writers without income or job security during the show’s annual hiatus.
Why the Change Was Needed
Under the old system, writers’ contracts expired every December and were reissued in January, creating unavoidable employment gaps. AWG Director Bryant Apolonio said the practice left writers vulnerable, with no pay during the break and no guarantee of renewal.
The new agreement ensures:
- Year-round job security
- Continuous employment without seasonal gaps
- Paid public holidays during production pauses
- Compliance with the 2022 Fair Work Act, which restricts fixed-term contracting
The AWG worked closely with Seven to confirm that the updated legislation applied to soap writers—ultimately prompting the network to overhaul its employment model.
What’s Ahead on ‘Home and Away’
The series wrapped its latest season with a dramatic cliffhanger involving a train accident. When the show returns on January 19, 2026, viewers will see characters Levi Fowler and Tane Parata defy police orders in a desperate attempt to rescue loved ones trapped inside a tunnel.
Adding to the excitement, fan favorites Darryl “Brax” Braxton and Ricky Sharpe will return for a new storyline set in Western Australia—an arc expected to draw strong viewer interest.
Where to Watch
- UK: Weekdays at 1:45 PM on Channel 5; repeats at 6 PM on 5STAR
- Australia: New episodes Monday–Thursday at 7 PM on 7Plus
What Happens Next?
With its writers now secured under permanent contracts, Home and Away enters 2026 with renewed stability behind the scenes and high-stakes drama on screen. The move is expected to strengthen the show’s creative consistency while giving fans even more to look forward to as new storylines unfold.
