Victoria faces policy shifts on WFH legislation and energy infrastructure

The Victorian government has announced a delay for its contentious Work From Home (WFH) reform bill, pushing the start date from September 1, 2024, to July 1, 2025. Premier Ben Carroll stated the pause is intended to allow for further consultation. The delay follows criticism from 12 business and employer groups who urged the government to scrap the bill to focus on the state's economy and high unemployment rate. Industry bodies, such as the VACC, have argued against legislated flexibility, favoring arrangements agreed upon at the workplace level.

Separately, the Victorian Coalition, led by Liberal leader Jess Wilson, has pledged to scrap the VNI West transmission project. The Coalition argues that the state requires more gas and firm generation rather than new transmission infrastructure. This move has drawn criticism from industry and community groups, including RE-Alliance, who warn that canceling the project could threaten energy security and deprive regional farmers and contractors of income and energy project opportunities.