Victoria’s proposed work-from-home laws are unlikely to pass parliament before the November state election after the legislation was referred to a parliamentary committee for further scrutiny.
The Equal Opportunity Amendment (Work from Home) Bill 2026 would give eligible Victorian employees a statutory right to work from home for up to two days a week, where it is reasonable for their role.
The bill had already passed the Legislative Assembly and was being considered by the Legislative Council when a motion to refer it to a parliamentary committee passed 18 votes to 17 on Thursday.
The motion was put forward by Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Jeff Bourman and supported by the Coalition and a number of crossbench MPs.
The committee will examine the economic impacts of the proposed laws and is due to report back on October 20. With parliament’s final scheduled sitting day before the November 28 election falling in September, the referral means the legislation is unlikely to be passed during the current parliamentary term.
The vote followed further changes to the proposed laws announced by Premier Ben Carroll in response to concerns raised by business groups.
The amendments included delaying the commencement of the laws until July 2027, with small businesses given until January 2028, and making it easier for employers to refuse or revoke work-from-home arrangements where they would have a material impact on efficiency or productivity.
Employer obligations to cover work-from-home costs would also be limited to essential equipment, software and secure network access.
Business groups have continued to raise concerns about the legislation, including its potential impact on employers and whether it could conflict with the federal Fair Work Act.
The Property Council of Australia welcomed the decision to refer the bill for further review, saying the committee process would allow its legal and economic implications to be examined in greater detail.
The Victorian Government has criticised the move, arguing the amended legislation struck an appropriate balance between workplace flexibility and the needs of employers.
Carroll has indicated the government will not recall parliament for an additional sitting period, leaving the proposed work-from-home right set to become an issue heading into the November election.
