The Victorian government is on track to become the first in Australia to codify a legal right for employees to work from home. The proposed equal opportunity amendment bill, which mandates that employers allow staff to work remotely for at least two days a week, has successfully cleared the state's lower house.

The policy was initially introduced by Premier Jacinta Allan in 2025. The political timing of the proposal followed a federal election cycle where remote work policies became a point of national debate, particularly regarding the Coalition's stance on mandating full-time office attendance for public servants.

While the bill has gained legislative momentum, it remains a point of contention between the government and the private sector. Major business lobby groups have voiced strong opposition to the mandate, arguing that it could impose significant operational costs and logistical challenges on employers. Supporters of the bill, however, frame it as a necessary evolution of labor rights that reflects modern workplace realities. The legislation is expected to face a final vote in the parliament this week.