Overview

• The state government launched a consultation on August 12 via an Engage Victoria survey open until September 28 and scheduled stakeholder roundtables in September.
• Under the proposal, employees in roles that can reasonably be performed remotely would gain a statutory right to work from home two days per week across public and private sectors.
• Premier Jacinta Allan signalled that consultations will define possible carve-outs for small businesses and probationary employees.
• Employer groups warn the mandate could undermine productivity, investor confidence and Victoria’s business reputation, while unions emphasise benefits such as increased workforce participation and average weekly savings of $110.
• Uncertainty surrounds whether the bill will be introduced later this year or drafted for formal introduction in 2026, and legal experts foresee potential clashes with federal industrial relations law.