Victoria Premier Ben Carroll delays work-from-home laws
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has announced a delay to the state’s controversial work-from-home legislation, pushing the proposed start date from September 1 to July 2027. The move is intended to facilitate a “reset” in the government’s relationship with the business community and allow for further consultation on the policy.
The legislation, which has already passed the lower house, would grant full-time, part-time, and casual workers the right to work from home two days per week on a pro-rata basis, provided it is deemed reasonable. Contentious aspects of the bill include requirements for employers to cover reasonable costs associated with remote work.
Business lobby groups, including the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Australian Industry Group, have strongly opposed the bill, with some calling for it to be scrapped entirely. They argue the policy could disrupt small businesses, impact productivity, and drive investment out of the state. While the implementation is delayed, Carroll confirmed the bill is still expected to pass before the November state election.
Entities
Australian Industry Group · Ben Carroll · Sally Curtain · Victoria · Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Opposition has reportedly agreed not to block the bill's passage, pending amendments such as capping employer expenses at $1,000. www.smartcompany.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The bill includes a requirement for employers to pay reasonable costs to allow eligible employees to work remotely. www.perthnow.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Tim Piper of the Australian Industry Group suggested the government conduct an economic impact statement on the policy. www.theage.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Industry groups have called for the work-from-home bill to be scrapped entirely. www.perthnow.com.au · www.smartcompany.com.au · www.theage.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] The proposed law would grant full-time, part-time, and casual workers the right to work from home two days a week on a pro-rata basis where reasonable. www.perthnow.com.au · www.smartcompany.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] The implementation of work-from-home laws has been delayed from September 1 to July 2027. www.perthnow.com.au · www.theage.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] Premier Ben Carroll supports work-from-home and flexible work arrangements. www.perthnow.com.au · www.theage.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] The legislation will still be passed before the November state election. www.perthnow.com.au · www.theage.com.au