Victoria’s proposed work-from-home laws are hanging in the balance after new premier Ben Carroll delayed their introduction, casting doubt on a reform once presented as a certainty by his predecessor, Jacinta Allan.
The legislation was intended to give Victorian employees whose jobs can reasonably be performed remotely a legal right to work from home for two days a week. It had been due to take effect on 1 September 2026, but Mr Carroll has pushed the start date back to 1 July 2027 while seeking further talks with business groups. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-11/vic-work-from-home-delayed/107023236))
Mr Carroll has said he remains committed to passing the bill before Victoria’s state election in November, but has signalled that amendments could be made after consultation with employers. He said the policy was beneficial for working families, while arguing that the government also needed to maintain a partnership with the business community. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-11/vic-work-from-home-delayed/107023236))
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the delay but continued to call for the bill to be abandoned, describing it as unnecessary and burdensome for employers. Other business representatives have also warned that the proposed arrangements could create additional costs and legal uncertainty.
Under Ms Allan’s leadership, the Labor government had described the plan as an Australian first and said it would be written into the state’s Equal Opportunity Act. The bill was introduced in June, passed Victoria’s lower house in July and entered the Legislative Council, where debate resumed on Thursday, 10 September, with opposition amendments circulated. ([legislation.vic.gov.au](https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/bills/equal-opportunity-amendment-work-home-bill-2026))
The Victorian Greens have vowed to try to restore the original September start date. The party said it would seek amendments in Parliament and could introduce its own legislation if Labor failed to secure the reforms before the election. ([greens.org.au](https://greens.org.au/vic/news/media-release/greens-will-hold-labors-feet-fire-wfh-laws))
The dispute leaves Mr Carroll facing pressure from both business groups, which want the measures scrapped, and the Greens, who are demanding that Labor honour its original promise. With the election approaching, the future of Victoria’s proposed work-from-home rights is now uncertain.
