Victoria postpones work-from-home legislation until after election

The Victorian government has halted plans to legislate a right to work from home at least two days a week per week. The decision by the Carroll Cabinet to not schedule an extra week of Parliament means the controversial measure will not be debated before the state election on November 28.

The proposed laws, originally promised by former Premier Jacinta Allan, aimed to codify workplace flexibility. While the legislation had passed the Legislative Assembly, it faced heavy opposition from business and industry groups. These groups argued the laws could undermine productivity and deter investment.

Business advocates, including the Australian Industry Group, have described the delay as a “significant victory,” suggesting the legislation was a political maneuver rather than an economic necessity. Labor sources indicated the move may be intended to turn the WFH laws into a central election issue, placing the opposition in a difficult position regarding their stance on the reform.