Victoria’s new premier to push ahead with work-from-home laws despite business backlash

Contentious plans to legally enshrine a right to work from home are set to be tweaked rather than shelved under new state leadership.

Under Victorian Premier Ben Carroll, who took over as leader following an internal revolt against Jacinta Allan, the Labor state government will continue pursuing the laws she championed.

The legislation would give full-time, part-time and casual workers the right to work from home two days a week on a pro-rata basis where reasonable.

The bill has already passed the Labor-controlled lower house and will soon be debated in the upper house as the November state election approaches.

It has attracted staunch opposition from business lobby groups, which have met with Mr Carroll since his elevation to premier.

But a Victorian government spokesperson confirmed on Friday the government’s position remains unchanged.

‘Any sensible amendments will be considered when it (the bill) is debated in the Legislative Council,’ they told AAP.

Among the more contentious elements of the bill is a requirement for employers to pay any reasonable costs to allow an eligible employee to work remotely.

This may include essential equipment and secure access to work systems.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Property Council of Australia, Urban Development Institute of Australia, Australian Industry Group and Council of Small Business Organisations Australia have all called for the bill to be scrapped.

As drafted, work-from-home entitlements would apply to employers of all sizes from September 1, except businesses with 15 or fewer employees, which have been given a reprieve until July 1, 2027.

Employers must respond to a work-from-home notice within 21 days and propose alternative arrangements if they knock back a request.