Melbourne’s Premier Jacinta Allan has unveiled a sweeping plan to legally entrench Victorians’ right to work from home, but not everyone is convinced the policy suits all workers or the wider economy.
A Legal Right, Not a Request
Premier Allan announced at the state Labor conference that, beginning in 2026, any public or private sector employee whose job can “reasonably” be done from home would have the right to work remotely at least two days per week. She dubbed it an Australian first and declared: “a right, not a request.”
Allan highlighted the benefits:
- Workers could save an average of A$110 per week on commuting.
- The move aims to cut congestion, boost productivity, and improve workforce participation, particularly for women, carers, and people with disabilities.
But It Does Not Work for Everyone
Despite the benefits, the plan has sparked backlash from employers and legal experts who argue it is not practical for many workers.
- Disruption to mentoring and workplace culture: Flight Centre’s founder warned that remote work disadvantages younger staff who rely on office-based learning.
- Threat to businesses: Major business figures like property developer Tim Gurner called the policy “madness,” arguing it overreaches and could drive companies out of Victoria.
- Uneven impact in regional areas: In Wodonga, business leaders fear the law could weaken trust-based local arrangements and even push businesses to relocate across the border to NSW.
- Legal concerns: Experts say the legislation may conflict with federal industrial relations law under the Fair Work Act. Some labeled the proposal a political stunt lacking enforcement viability.
- Unequal outcomes: The Victorian Chamber of Commerce warned that mandated remote work could hurt productivity and create unequal conditions across workplaces.
Consultation Underway but Challenges Loom
To fine-tune the details, the government launched a public consultation from mid August to late September. This includes surveys and industry roundtables to define:
- Which types of businesses are covered.
- What counts as remote work.
- How the law will apply to part-time or varied roles.
Despite concerns about federal override, Federal Minister Tanya Plibersek signaled no intention to block Victoria’s plan. “We’re not marking their homework,” she told Sunrise, supporting remote work where it is practical and negotiated.
Reality Check for Workers and Employers
For many, remote work has become the norm, offering autonomy, productivity, and well-being. For others, particularly those in collaborative roles, frontline industries, or early career stages, it is not that simple. Mandatory remote work, even part-time, may disrupt learning pathways, weaken team dynamics, or skew inequality in workplace culture.
Victoria now stands at a crossroads. Legislators must balance flexibility with fairness, making WFH a right that genuinely benefits all workers. The next few months of consultation will be decisive.