Victoria's work-from-home laws delayed until July 2027

Work-from-home laws delayed for nearly a year as Ben Carroll flags reset with Victorian businessPosted Tue 11 Aug 2026 at 11:59amTue 11 Aug 2026 at 11:59amThe Victorian government says work-from-home legislation will still pass before the state election, despite debate being delayed amid concerns from the business community. (Unsplash: Nubelson Fernandes)In short:Proposed work-from-home laws in Victoria have been pushed back nearly 12 months, as the government seeks further consultation with business.It comes as new premier Ben Carroll vows to reset his relationship with the business community.The premier says the legislation is still scheduled to pass before the coming state election in November.The Victorian government's proposed work-from-home laws will be delayed for nearly 12 months, as premier Ben Carroll allows more time for consultation and amendments to the legislation.The laws were first flagged by former premier Jacinta Allan last year, when she outlined plans to develop legal protections for employees who want to work at least two days a week from home.Mr Carroll said he had informed both Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Sally Curtain and Australian Industry Group head Tim Piper that the implementation of the laws would be delayed by almost a year."I've spoken with Sally Curtain this morning, and Tim Piper, and I've informed them that work-from-home will not proceed on the 1st of September," he said."It will proceed on the 1st of July, 2027."Ben Carroll says debate on work-from-home legislation will be delayed to allow more time for consultation. (ABC News)Mr Carroll said he supported working-from-home laws, but said the benefits had to be balanced against other priorities."It is good for working families," he said."Equally though, we need to make sure that our economy — everyone knows its a partnership between working families and the business community and the government."He said he would listen to and consult on any "common-sense" amendments, but promised the legislation would pass before the November state election.The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the delay, warning the legislation posed a "profound risk" to the state's economy."The Victorian Chamber maintains that the Bill must be scrapped, as it is completely unnecessary, costly and burdensome for Victorian businesses," chamber chief executive Sally Curtain said."The premier has been in touch with us directly and has indicated he is willing to meet with us. We hope to persuade him to abandon this destructive course."In an exclusive interview with the ABC last week, the premier said resetting his relationship with Victoria's businesses was one of his biggest priorities."I'll roll the red carpet out for them. I want to grow our economy. We've got the best workforce in the nation, the most skilled. This is my focus," he said."I think it's about a rhetorical reset, making sure that business knows I'm in their corner."