“We won’t stand by while workers — especially women, single mums, carers — get punished for needing balance in their lives.”

Issues such as the definition of remote work, who can do it, how it would affect part-time workers and the types of businesses to which the law would apply, will be figured out through a consultation process.

‘Complete overreach’

Veenker said the state government’s new plan will make “members both small and large” of the business advocacy group ask if they should “continue trading in Victoria”.

The Committee for Melbourne, which merged with the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce in 2024, describes itself as being founded “to champion key initiatives to stimulate the economy and civic development, which put Melbourne on a pathway to become one of the world’s most liveable cities”.

‘A really good initiative’

“I think working from home allows people to have a bit more of better work-lifestyle balance, therefore making them happy — happy to be at work when it is time to be at work, [and] happy to be at home,” she said.

Another woman SBS News spoke to said the ability to work from home “just makes life so much easier”. Source: SBS News

A middle-aged man said he currently had an arrangement to work one day a fortnight at home and would “certainly be keen for that to be made a legal thing to do more”.

The ABS also says 43 per cent of those who work from home do overtime, compared to one quarter of those who do not.

State Opposition signals possible support

“We support measures that help Victorians enjoy a better work-life balance, and will review any legislation closely, to ensure it supports flexibility, productivity and personal choice,” he said.