Victoria Introduces Statutory ‘Right to Work from Home’: Implications for Employers Under Proposed Equal Opportunity Law Reform

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Date of Change:
16 June 2026 (Bill introduced)
Takes Effect:
1 September 2026 (proposed commencement). 1 July 2027 (delayed commencement for small businesses under 15 employees)
The Victorian Government has introduced the Equal Opportunity Amendment (Work from Home) Bill 2026 proposing a statutory right for eligible employees to work from home up to two days per week, with significant implications for employer obligations, cost responsibilities, and workforce management.

The reform embeds the right to work from home within the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) and shifts flexible work arrangements from a discretionary employer-based model to a legally enforceable entitlement.

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Provider Institute Best Practice Tip

Providers should begin mapping roles across their organisation to identify which positions are eligible for remote work under a statutory entitlement model.

It is also recommended that providers review flexible work policies early to ensure they align with legislative “reasonableness” requirements, particularly in relation to refusal decision-making and documentation standards.

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