Full Breakdown
Victorian Work-From-Home Bill Sent to Committee Amid Election-Season Turmoil
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Upper-House Referral Halts Legislation
- On September 10 2026, the Victorian Legislative Council voted 18-17 to refer the government’s work-from-home (WFH) bill to a parliamentary committee, removing it from the agenda before the November state election.
Background & Context
- The bill, announced by former premier Jacinta Allan in 2025, would give eligible employees a statutory right to work from home up to two days a week, subject to “reasonable” feasibility under the Equal Opportunity Act.
- Initial commencement was set for 1 September (all employers) with a delayed start for small businesses, later moved to 1 January 2028 and softened to limit equipment costs to essential hardware and software, excluding internet expenses.
Timeline
- September 10 2026 – Vote to refer bill to committee (18-17).
- October 20 2026 – Committee report due, after the parliament’s final sitting day.
- November 28 2026 – State election; the bill is unlikely to be debated before then.
Data & Statistics
- Referral support came from Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Jeff Bourman, the Coalition, One Nation MP Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, Libertarian David Limbrick, Legalise Cannabis MPs, and former Labor minister Adem Somyurek.
- Labor and Greens opposed; Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell abstained.
Official Statements & Responses
- Premier Ben Carroll said the government had added an extra week of sitting and would not recall parliament, labeling the referral “anti-family” and “anti-worker.”
- Jeff Bourman argued the referral would allow a “short, sharp inquiry” into the bill’s economic impact and could still enable delivery before the caretaker period.
- Bran Black, chief executive of the Business Council of Australia, called the legislation “economy-wrecking.”
- Cath Evans, executive director of Property Council Victoria, said the decision signals a need to focus on housing and jobs.
- Ellen Sandell, leader of the Victorian Greens, called for a recall of parliament, accusing Labor of “political incompetence.”
Criticism & Opposition
- Employer groups, including the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, argue the bill adds bureaucracy and costs, risking investment and jobs moving interstate.
- Legal experts warn the bill could face a High Court challenge on constitutional grounds.
- The opposition coalition, while publicly supportive of remote work, backed the referral to address business concerns and avoid a rushed passage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are a lot of employer associations that are concerned that the extra burden and extra problems that this may cause will make it harder for businesses to flourish and even harder to start,” — Jeff Bourman
- “I've already added one week to the parliamentary sitting," Mr Carroll said.” — Ben Carroll
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Sources differ on the original commencement date: some cite a 1 September start for all employers, others note the small-business delay to 1 July 2027. Both appear in the legislative history.
What’s Next
- The parliamentary committee must deliver its report by October 20 2026.
- With the election set for November 28 2026, the bill is unlikely to return to the floor before the caretaker period, leaving its future uncertain.