Victorian Labor Introduces Bill to Lock in Work From Home 2 Days a Week

The bill has faced strong opposition from major industry groups, which argue that it introduces unnecessary regulation where none is needed.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan speaks to media during a press conference in Melbourne, Australia, on Nov. 14, 2025. AAP Image/James Ross

The Victorian Labor government will introduce legislation that would give workers in the state the legal right to work from home two days a week.

The bill amends the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 and creates an enforceable entitlement for eligible employees who can perform their jobs remotely.

“We’re introducing new laws today in Parliament to protect your right to work from home,” Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said on social media on June 16.

If passed, the laws will take effect on Sept. 1, 2026, for most workplaces, with businesses employing fewer than 15 staff granted a grace period until July 1, 2027, to comply.

The state government argued that workers could save more than $5,000 (US$3,530) a year in commuting costs under the changes, while also benefiting from shorter travel times and higher workforce participation.

Further, it said more than a third of Victorian workers already work from home regularly, including 60 percent of professionals.

Allan defended the new laws and highlighted benefits for families across the state.

“Work from home works for families, it saves time and money and it gets more parents working,” she said.

“That’s why we’re protecting work from home in law.”

Calls for Withdrawing ‘Damaging’ Legislation

Meanwhile, major Victorian industry groups called on the state government to immediately withdraw its “damaging” work from home legislation, arguing it introduces unnecessary regulation where none is needed.

The Victorian Congress of Employer Associations (VCEA) said most employers already provided flexible hybrid arrangements.

“Instead of supporting practical conversations between employers and employees, this legislation introduces a new layer of regulation and positions VCAT as the ultimate arbiter of workplace arrangements,” it said in a statement.

“Rather than providing certainty, these changes create confusion, delay and additional red tape. Victoria has long been recognised as a leader in flexible work practices.”

The statement was supported by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Australian Industry Group, Property Council of Australia, Australian Retail Council, Urban Development Institute of Australia, Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce and Housing Industry Association.

The state Opposition did not comment on the new work from home legislation. Separately, it announced plans on June 16 to introduce new legislation to protect emergency services workers.

“Our laws will close the loophole in the existing legislation and ensure workers are protected throughout their entire shift,” Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said.