Work from home to soon become a legal right for millions of Victorians

Daily Mail​

3 days ago

The Victorian government is set to enshrine the right to work from home in law, with sweeping reforms that will apply across both the public and private sectors.
Premier Jacinta Allan will unveil the landmark policy at the annual state Labor conference, describing it as a progressive move to modernise the workforce and support families.
'Working from home works for families, and it's good for the economy,' she will say.
'Day after day, unions are being contacted by workers who have been denied reasonable requests to work from home.
'Across the country, Liberals are drawing up plans to abolish work-from-home and force workers back to the office, and back to the past.
'That's why the Allan Labor government is acting. Enshrining work from home in law means this life-changing practice isn't something you or your loved ones have to politely ask for. It's a right you'll be entitled to.'
The proposed legislation would give workers a legal right to request remote work two days a week if they can 'reasonably' perform their duties from home.
Employers would be required to give the requests proper consideration, with a formal consultation process set to begin soon as the legislation is introduced later this year.
Ms Allan also pointed to the cost of living relief the policy would offer, estimating it could save workers around $110 per week, or more than $5,300 a year in commuting and related expenses.
'Work from home supports women with children, carers, and people with a disability to work,' she said.
'Thanks to work from home, workforce participation is 4.4 per cent higher than before the pandemic.'
Opposition Leader Brad Battin has dismissed claims the Liberals opposed the laws, telling Daily Mail the party supports work-from-home flexibility.
'The Victorian Liberals and Nationals recognise that working from home has become a valuable option for many workers and families,' Mr Battin said.
'We support measures that help Victorians enjoy a better work-life balance and will review any legislation closely, to ensure it supports flexibility, productivity, and personal choice.'
His comments contrast with those of former federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who was forced to retreat from a policy limiting work-from-home rights for public servants after widespread backlash during the last election campaign.
In addition to the proposed work-from-home reforms, Victorian Labor will also debate a raft of controversial policy ideas at the state conference on Saturday, including new taxes and major social reforms.
More than 600 party delegates, including MPs, grassroots members and union representatives, will vote on a series of proposals that could shape the ALP's platform ahead of the 2026 state election.
Among the most contentious items is a push to raise taxes on Victorian residents, despite the state already being the most heavily taxed in the country.
Other proposals include introducing a super profits tax on land sales and legalising cannabis for recreational use.
The outcomes of the weekend's debate will play a critical role in defining Premier Jacinta Allan's policy agenda over the next 18 months, with an election set for November next year.