Victoria: The Australian state of Victoria has announced plans to introduce legislation granting employees the legal right to work from home two days per week, marking one of the most significant workplace reforms in the country.
Under the proposed laws, which are scheduled to take effect on September 1, any employee whose role can reasonably be performed remotely will be entitled to work from home, regardless of the size of their workplace.
The right will be formally embedded into Victoria’s Equal Opportunity Act, making it unlawful for employers to refuse eligible requests without valid grounds.
From 1 September: if you ask your boss to work from home, the law will be on your side. pic.twitter.com/MixlAOXJbp
— Jacinta Allan (@JacintaAllanMP) March 4, 2026
The reforms will be overseen by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC). If disputes between employers and employees cannot be resolved through the commission, they may be referred to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for determination.
A move to help families
Workplaces in Victoria employing fewer than 15 people will be granted an extended transition period, with compliance required by July 1, 2027, giving small businesses additional time to adapt their policies and operational structures.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan said that the move would help families save time and money, reduce commuting pressures, and enable greater workforce participation, particularly among parents balancing professional and caregiving responsibilities.
The bill is expected to be introduced in the Victorian Parliament in July, setting the stage for formal debate ahead of its planned September implementation. The announcement comes during broader discussions across Australia about workplace flexibility, productivity, and evolving employment standards in a post-pandemic economy.
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