The Carroll Labor Government is protecting the right to work from home in law, with world-first legislation.
The laws support families and workers, and they will work for our economy to support the recruitment and participation of talented employees.
The laws need to work for business, too – because if they aren’t practical, the laws won’t last.
Labor has made sensible amendments to get the balance right.
The amendments address issues raised in consultation and provide a lasting framework for working from home.
Clarifying the rules so the laws can last
Workers whose jobs can reasonably be done from home will have the right to work from home two days a week – that is the principle.
The new amendments simplify and clarify the legislation to address areas of uncertainty, including clarifying that:
- The laws will only apply to employees who reside in Victoria
- The right won’t stack on top of other rights or entitlements to work from home in Commonwealth law
- The definition of ‘home’ has been amended to mean the employee’s principal place of residence, or a location agreed between the employer and employee
- The Bill will not create any additional rights to vary an employment agreement’s days and times – this is just about working from home
- Reasonable costs payable by the employer have been limited to essential equipment, like a laptop and software required to complete tasks
- Employers will not be responsible for paying for home internet or other basic utilities
When the employer has a clear operational need which may make work from home arrangements unreasonable – such as a trade show, major event, peak trading period or requirement for in-person customer service – they can issue a notice to temporarily pause or revoke arrangements for those days and times.
We have clarified that work from home rights will apply to part-time workers. For employees who work fewer than 38 hours a week, the entitlement will be 40 per cent of their weekly working hours.
The law commences on 1 July 2027. That’s the day most eligible workers will attain the right to work from home.
The commencement date for small businesses – with fewer than 15 staff – will move to 1 January 2028, so they have more time to prepare.
Employers will have 28 days to respond to work from home requests.
A review of the legislation will be brought forward to 1 January 2029 to ensure the settings still work for everyone.
As stated by Premier Ben Carroll
“Work from home works, and in Victoria, it will be your right.”
“These laws must work for business too – because the reality is, if it’s not practical, the laws won’t last.”
As stated by Minister for Industrial Relations Colin Brooks
“These are sensible amendments that reflect how most Victorians always envisioned the laws would work.”
“Under Labor, your right to work from home is safe from a One Nation-Liberal Coalition that wants it gone.”
