Victorian Premier Ben Carroll pushes ahead with work‑from‑home legislation

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll, who succeeded Jacinta Allan after an internal party revolt, has confirmed that his Labor government will continue pursuing the contentious work‑from‑home (WFH) bill. The legislation, already passed by the lower house, would give full‑time, part‑time and casual employees the right to work from home two days a week on a pro‑rata basis, with employers required to cover reasonable costs for equipment and secure system access. It applies to all employers from 1 September, except those with 15 or fewer staff, who receive a reprieve until 1 July 2027. The bill is slated for debate in the Legislative Council ahead of the November state election.

Business lobby groups, including the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Property Council of Australia, the Urban Development Institute of Australia, the Australian Industry Group and the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, have called for the bill to be scrapped, arguing it would burden employers. A government spokesperson said any sensible amendments would be considered during the upper‑house debate. Carroll’s administration also announced a cabinet reshuffle, removing several portfolios as part of the broader policy recalibration.