Australia’s state of Victoria is preparing to introduce legislation that would give employees a legal right to work from home for at least two days a week if their job can reasonably be performed remotely, a proposal that could become one of the most far-reaching workplace reforms in the country.

Under the planned law, workers in both the public and private sectors would gain the entitlement to perform part of their duties from home, provided the nature of their role allows it.

The policy is expected to take effect from September, with smaller businesses granted additional time to comply with the new rules.

The reform is being advanced by the state government as a way to modernize employment practices following the profound shift toward hybrid work that accelerated during the pandemic.

Leaders promoting the measure say it would provide families with greater flexibility while encouraging broader participation in the workforce.

Supporters argue that regular remote work can reduce commuting costs, save time for employees and increase productivity.

Government estimates suggest households could save thousands of dollars annually by reducing travel and childcare pressures, while employers may benefit from stronger staff retention and access to a wider talent pool.

The proposal would apply across industries and business sizes, including small companies, although compliance for firms with fewer than fifteen employees is expected to be delayed until mid-twenty twenty seven to allow additional adjustment time.

If implemented, the policy would affect more than a million workers in Victoria who are employed by small businesses alone.

Officials say many workplaces already allow flexible arrangements, and surveys indicate a majority of firms have introduced some form of hybrid working policy since the pandemic.

Nevertheless, the initiative has prompted a vigorous debate among employers and legal specialists.

Some business groups warn that mandating remote work could create operational challenges for companies that rely heavily on in-person collaboration, training or supervision.

Legal experts have also raised questions about the scope of the state’s authority to legislate on workplace arrangements, as many employment matters in Australia are governed by federal law under the Fair Work framework.

Analysts say the legislation may ultimately face legal scrutiny over how it interacts with national industrial relations rules.

Despite the debate, the state government has signaled its determination to proceed, presenting the reform as a step toward a more flexible and inclusive labour market that reflects the evolving expectations of modern workers.

If passed, the measure would mark the first time an Australian state has enshrined a statutory right to work from home.