Nation's peak business group warns proposed work-from-home law will 'risk jobs'
Australia's peak business group is urging the Victorian government to abandon a plan to give workers the right to work from home for at least two days a week.
Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black claims the move would risk jobs, stifle investment in the state and undermine existing arrangements in individual workplaces.
The lobby group has formally opposed the move in a submission to the government.
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Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black. Alex Ellinghausen
"The proposal for a one-size-fits-all mandate will drive investment and jobs away from the state at a time they're needed most," Black said.
"Achieving the right level of flexibility is done at the workplace level, in discussions between employers and employees.
"There are already existing federal laws that provide rights for workers to request the flexibility they need.
"Around one third of workers already have some form of working from home arrangement, and there's no evidence that existing laws aren't working."
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Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan unveiled proposed work from home laws in August. Simon Schluter
If the laws pass, the policy will allow both public and private sector workers to have the legal right to work from home for at least two days a week if it is reasonable for them to do so.
The plan was welcomed by unions and family groups when it was unveiled by the Allan government in August.
The permanent flexible working arrangements are estimated to save employees an average of $110 per week, an average of three hours commuting and support women with children, carers and people with disability.
"Not everyone can work from home, but everyone can benefit," Allan said.
"If you can do your job from home, we'll make it your right, because we're on your side."
The proposed laws will be debated in parliament next year.
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