In a move that has stirred significant debate among business leaders, the Victorian government’s proposal to make working from home two days a week a legal right has been met with both support and criticism. Real estate agent William Bonnici, who operates offices in both Victoria and New South Wales, has expressed concerns about the potential impact of the legislation on his business operations.
Mr. Bonnici’s real estate business, which includes offices in Beechworth and Wodonga in Victoria, and Albury in New South Wales, may face significant changes if the laws pass. He voiced his apprehension, stating, “When state legislation starts dictating to a business… it’s going to make me question whether or not where you’re based is where you should be based.”
Business Concerns Over Legislative Overreach
The proposal has sparked a broader conversation about the role of government in business operations. Mr. Bonnici highlighted the potential for inequality among workers, particularly those in roles that cannot accommodate remote work, such as paramedics and baristas. “Laws are there to protect employees from recalcitrant employers and to protect employers from lazy employees,” he remarked. “I don’t see how this can be legislated and then policed effectively without someone claiming victimisation.”
Graham Jenkin, Chief Executive of Business Wodonga, echoed these sentiments, suggesting the legislation could lead to increased bureaucracy and frustration for businesses. “Loyalty breeds loyalty, and to try and put something in the legislation that happens every day of the week around the border can be an issue,” he said.
Economic Implications and Business Migration
The potential economic impact of the legislation is a significant concern for business leaders. Mr. Jenkin warned that the combination of the new laws, along with higher land taxes and rents, might incentivize businesses to relocate to New South Wales. “Victoria is a very difficult place to do business at the moment,” he noted. “You’ll find that a similar office in NSW might be considerably cheaper and better off than here in Victoria.”
Paul Guerra, Chief Executive of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described the mandate as “perplexing” and warned of potential job losses if businesses decide to move interstate. “If we want businesses to be productive, and to raise the economic prospects of everyone in this state and this country, we need to get out of their way and let them operate in a way that best suits their model,” he argued.
Support for Flexible Work Arrangements
Despite the criticism, some individuals and businesses see the proposed legislation as a positive step towards modernizing work environments. Accountant Tom Hall, who works from home, praised the flexibility it provides. “I’m able to make more time for my kids, and it gets more time back in the day because you aren’t losing time in the commute,” he said.
His employer, Hayley Foot of Dream Accounting, supports flexible work as a strategy to attract talent. “It was increasingly hard to find skilled staff, so we offered flexible hours, and we got a huge response,” she explained. “It speaks for itself.”
Government’s Response and Future Discussions
The Victorian government has opened up feedback on the proposed laws, including roundtable discussions to gather diverse perspectives. Industrial Relations Minister Jaclyn Symes expressed confidence that businesses would not relocate due to the legislation. “The best and brightest these days are looking for flexibility,” she said. “Employers want the best and brightest, and the best and brightest like flexibility, and that’ll be right here in Victoria.”
As the consultation period continues, closing on September 28, businesses and employees alike are weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of the proposed work-from-home rights. The outcome of this legislative proposal could set a precedent for other regions considering similar measures.
