Victorian WFH laws reportedly pushed to 2027

The debate and implementation of the landmark Equal Opportunity Amendment (Work from Home) Bill 2026 has been delayed by Victoria’s new Premier, less than a month after taking office.

As reported by The Guardian and The Australian Financial Review earlier this morning (11 August), Premier Ben Carroll revealed in conversation with the chief executive of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sally Curtain, and the Victorian head of the Australian Industry Group, Tim Piper, that the legislation will be delayed for 10 months.

He said: “I want to be very clear. I support work from home. I support flexible work. It is good for working families. Equally, though, we need to make sure that … Everyone knows it’s a partnership between working families and the business community and the government.”

After passing the Legislative Assembly in June, the reform was due to be heard in the Legislative Council before its delay on 11 August.

Carroll has held firm that he will retain the core characteristic of the bill, but has kept the door open for smaller concessions in acknowledgement of heavy criticism from employment and business groups.

As reported by HR Leader, recent research from the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry revealed that 80 per cent of businesses expect the legislation to negatively impact operations, and almost 50 per cent would likely expand operations outside of the state.

Increased compliance and regulation, further financial determinants to small businesses, and management concerns have also been raised in opposition to the bill.

Referencing the then-premier Jacinta Allan’s proposal, Curtain said: “Businesses are not rejecting flexibility – 77 per cent already allow their employees to work from home. They are rejecting legislation that adds costs, complexity and uncertainty without solving a genuine problem.”

“We are asking for sensible amendments that recognise different industries, protect small businesses, clarify employer obligations and reduce unnecessary disputes.”

The delay will see legislation considered after the next state election, set for 28 November 2026.

More to come.

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