Laws to create an Australian-first legal right for employees to work from home are in limbo after a second pause in as many weeks.
Victoria’s upper house was expected to debate the legislation on Friday after Premier Ben Carroll earlier in August pushed back its start date to mid-2027 and flagged “sensible amendments”.
A minor party MP was told debate would get under way on Friday but later informed it was no longer going ahead, amid uncertainty over crossbench support.
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Jeff Bourman will attempt to refer the work-from-home laws to a committee for examination, which could forestall its passage before the November state election.
The coalition did not oppose the bill in the Labor-controlled lower house and had indicated it planned to move its own amendments.
Under the proposed laws, full-time, part-time and casual employees will get the right to work from home two days a week on a pro-rata basis if reasonably able to.
Business group leaders met with Mr Carroll, who replaced Jacinta Allan as premier in late July, for a second time on Thursday to discuss the legislation.
Australian Industry Group, Victorian head Tim Piper, described the hour-long meeting as “amicable” but said no changes were agreed.
“We’ve explained to the premier there is no middle ground,” Mr Piper told reporters on Friday.
“The premier, at this stage, hasn’t conceded to any amendments, but we’re in discussions with the premier’s office to determine that.”
The second pause in two weeks showed business had made a “compelling” argument, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Sally Curtain said.
“There is no net benefit to Victorians as a result of this legislation,” she said.
The bill remains on the notice paper ahead of the final two scheduled parliamentary sitting weeks.
The Victorian government maintained it was committed to passing the legislation in 2026.
“But we’ve also been clear we’re listening to business about where commonsense adjustments may be needed,” a Victorian government spokesperson said.
“We’re focused on getting the balance right for business and working people.
“We have met with business groups and we will continue to work through sensible changes to the legislation.”
The right to work from home is being legislated through Victoria’s Equal Opportunity Act in a bid to withstand a potential High Court challenge.
Section 109 of the Australian Constitution dictates that if a state law conflicts with a Commonwealth law, the latter prevails.
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