Is Remote Work Legislation Really Necessary? Victoria's Property Sector Questions Government Overreach

Industry Calls for Tailored Approach to Workplace Arrangements

The Property Council has raised significant concerns about the Victorian government's proposal to legislate working from home, pointing to recent survey results indicating that flexible work arrangements are already prevalent across the state.

According to the government's latest survey, 82% of participants said they already have the option to work remotely, with 36% currently working from home two days each week.

Debate over return-to-work versus remote work across Australia's property industry persists. Supporters of office-based work cite productivity and the economic health of city centres, while advocates for remote work emphasise flexibility and work-life balance.

"Victorians are perhaps better adjusted to working flexibly than any other state given our status as the most locked-down city in the world during the pandemic," said Cath Evans, Victorian executive director at the Property Council.

"With this in mind, the question really becomes why we need to legislate a system that is already working."

Evans noted that the effectiveness of flexible work varies between businesses and roles, and suggested that operational decisions should remain with employers and employees. She also highlighted ongoing challenges for Melbourne's central business district.

"Our city is still recovering," Evans said. "Central Melbourne continues to be Victoria's economic engine room, and its vibrancy and attraction will be harmed by this policy. Locking in a right to work from home will only disadvantage small businesses and undermine the city's long-term appeal to domestic and foreign investors."

Evans further questioned the government's motivation for the proposed legislation. "This proposal looks less like policy and more like politics – a vote-winner that risks hollowing out our economic centre," she pointed out.

"If the government wants to support productivity, jobs, and prosperity, it should encourage balance, not blanket legislation. Flexible work arrangements must remain a matter between employers and employees."