The Victorian government has ruled out exemptions for small businesses in its proposed legislation to enshrine the right to work from home two days a week, drawing criticism from business groups who warn some companies may relocate interstate or overseas.
Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed on Tuesday that all businesses, regardless of size, would be covered by the laws once passed, marking a shift from her earlier comments suggesting a potential exemption for small businesses. Allan argued that applying the policy universally was a matter of fairness, stating that employees of small businesses deserve the same rights as those working for large corporations.
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's acting chief executive, Scott Veenker, criticised the decision, saying it would create a significant regulatory burden on small to medium-sized businesses that lack dedicated HR departments. He warned that the laws could prompt some businesses to consider moving operations interstate or overseas.
Skye Cappuccio, chief executive of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, described the policy as a 'one-size-fits-all model' that fails to reflect how small businesses operate. She noted that it duplicates existing federal legislation and adds another layer of compliance for small business owners already spending nearly a day each week on regulatory paperwork.
However, Professor Peter Holland from Swinburne University of Technology supported the plan, arguing it formalises a shift to remote work accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic and meets workforce demand. Treasurer Jaclyn Symes drew parallels to past opposition against workplace rights like OHS laws and penalty rates, suggesting the policy will become standard in time.
The opposition leader, Jess Wilson, has refused to state a position on the policy, accusing the government of lacking transparency and calling for the legislation to be produced. The government claims the plan is constitutionally valid, though enforcement mechanisms remain unclear given Victoria's transfer of industrial relations powers to the commonwealth.
