Victoria's work-from-home laws delayed until July 2027

Proposed work-from-home laws in Victoria have been significantly delayed, with the government now aiming for implementation on July 1, 2027, nearly a year later than initially planned. This postponement comes as Premier Ben Carroll seeks to engage in further consultation with the business community.

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I've spoken with Sally Curtain this morning, and Tim Piper, and I've informed them that work-from-home will not proceed on the 1st of September. It will proceed on the 1st of July, 2027.

Carroll stated that he has informed key business leaders, including Sally Curtain of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Tim Piper of the Australian Industry Group, about the revised timeline. He emphasized his support for work-from-home laws, viewing them as beneficial for working families. However, he stressed the need to balance these benefits with the broader economic landscape, describing the economy as a partnership between working families, businesses, and the government.

The premier has promised to listen to and consider "common-sense" amendments to the legislation. Despite the delay, Carroll affirmed that the laws are still scheduled to pass before the upcoming state election in November. He indicated a desire to reset his relationship with the business community, vowing to prioritize economic growth and support for the state's workforce.

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It is good for working families. Equally though, we need to make sure that our economy, everyone knows its a partnership between working families and the business community and the government.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the delay, having previously warned that the legislation posed a "profound risk" to the state's economy. Chamber chief executive Sally Curtain described the bill as "completely unnecessary, costly and burdensome for Victorian businesses" and expressed hope that the premier would be persuaded to abandon the proposal entirely.

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The Victorian Chamber maintains that the Bill must be scrapped, as it is completely unnecessary, costly and burdensome for Victorian businesses.

Carroll acknowledged the concerns and expressed his commitment to actively engage with businesses. "I'll roll the red carpet out for them. I want to grow our economy. We've got the best workforce in the nation, the most skilled. This is my focus," he stated, aiming to assure businesses that he is "in their corner."

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I'll roll the red carpet out for them. I want to grow our economy. We've got the best workforce in the nation, the most skilled. This is my focus.