Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has delayed the state government’s contentious work-from-home laws by nearly 12 months, pushing the implementation date to July 1, 2027, according to an announcement reported by ABC News. The legislation, initially flagged by former premier Jacinta Allan to provide legal protections for employees wanting to work at least two days a week from home, was originally slated to take effect on September 1. Carroll confirmed he halted the parliament debate and informed business groups of the extended timeline to allow for deeper consultation.
Consultation Timeline and Parliamentary Delay
According to ABC News, Premier Ben Carroll spoke directly with Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Sally Curtain and Australian Industry Group head Tim Piper to outline the revised schedule. Carroll stated that while he supports work-from-home rights for working families, the policy must balance employee flexibility with broader economic priorities in partnership with the business community. The premier promised that the legislation will still pass before the November state election, leaving room for common-sense amendments.
Shadow Attorney-General James Newbury told ABC News that the opposition supports work-from-home principles but welcomed the delay to ease the transition for businesses. Newbury noted that rolling out such regulatory changes within a tight three-week window across the entire economy was impractical. The opposition has proposed amendments to ease the transition period and to remove provisions granting unions the right to enter the private property of individuals working from home.
Business Community Response and Economic Concerns
Business leaders expressed cautious relief over the delay while maintaining their opposition to the underlying framework. Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Sally Curtain told ABC News that the legislation still poses a profound risk to the state’s economy and argued that the bill should be scrapped entirely as burdensome and unnecessary. Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black similarly told ABC News that the government’s delay represents a first step in listening to employers, but warned that Victoria’s high unemployment rate makes the state vulnerable to policies that could drive investment away.
Political Clash Over Worker Rights
The decision drew sharp criticism from crossbench lawmakers who argued the government yielded too quickly to corporate lobbying. Greens leader Ellen Sandell told ABC News that workers were weeks away from securing hard-earned rights before the premier changed course. Sandell warned that women, carers, and disabled people now face prolonged uncertainty regarding flexible commuting and workplace arrangements.
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