Victorians are being invited to share their views on new laws that would make working from home a legal right, with Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Industrial Relations Jaclyn Symes launching a statewide consultation process.
The proposed legislation, to be introduced to Parliament next year, would give employees the right to work from home for at least two days a week if their job can be done remotely. The rule would apply to both public and private sector workers.
Consultation will focus on practical details, including how remote work is defined, which industries will be covered, and the size of businesses that must comply. An online survey has opened at engage.vic.gov.au/wfh, alongside industry roundtables planned for September 2025.
Ms Allan said the aim was to ensure the rules are clear and fair. “One of the reasons work from home is at risk because there are no rules—and workers don’t know where they stand. You can help us get the rules right by having your say,” she said. “Work from home works for families and it’s good for the economy. If you can do your job from home, we are making it your right—because we’re on your side.”
The government says flexible working is already common, with more than a third of Australian workers—and 60 per cent of professionals—regularly working from home. It estimates that employees save an average of $110 a week in travel and related costs, or $5,308 a year. Commuting time is also down by more than three hours a week.
Ms Symes said the consultation would capture the experiences of both employees and businesses. “So many Victorians rely on work from home, and so many businesses currently have flexible arrangements in place. We want to listen to them about what’s worked,” she said.
The government argues that remote work boosts workforce participation, particularly for parents, carers and people with disabilities, while reducing congestion and travel costs. The survey will also ask whether people have been denied the option to work from home, or felt unable to request it.
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