Waiting on the work-from-home details: Tibbett

BENDIGO’S peak business advocacy body Be.Bendigo is holding fire on a reaction to the State Government’s plans to legislate work-from-home entitlements until it knows more about the issue.

CEO Hayley Tibbett said Be.Bendigo would not comment formally on the proposal until it has seen full details and wording of the legislation.

“Once more information becomes available, we’ll be in a better position to understand its potential impact on our members and the broader business community,” Ms Tibbett said.

The Bendigo Times approached Ms Tibbett for comment on the plan, which was announced by Premier Jacinta Allan on 2 August, after Ballarat-based chair of the Victorian Regional Chamber Alliance, Jodie Gillett, described it as “seriously concerning.”

“The vast majority of Victorians are currently able to negotiate a workable solution that is beneficial to both employee and employer,” said Ms Gillett, who is also CEO of Commerce Ballarat.

“Placing these arrangements in legislation removes the autonomy small businesses rely on to run their businesses effectively.

“The proposal states ‘reasonable’; who is to decide what is reasonable?”

Ms Allan announced that her government planned to introduce legislation next year enshrining in law the right of any employee – public or private – to work from home at least two days a week.

The move has been roundly condemned by business groups including the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Australian Industry Group.

In contrast, it has been generally welcomed by unions.

But Ms Gillett has come down firmly on the side of business.

“More than 97 per cent of businesses are small business; this will impact them disproportionately and again regional and rural businesses will shoulder more of the brunt,” she said.

“Victoria is already home to an extensive amount of red tape that makes doing business extremely difficult, and the proposed legislation could further hinder local enterprise.

“It creates unnecessary division despite a widespread culture that allows work-life balance discussions between employers and employees.

“Regional chambers support an open dialogue between employers and employees that reflects collaboration, not an additional maze of legality.”

Ms Gillett said productivity must be protected in order to improve the economy, but the proposal privileges select industries and overlooks others, deterring workers from sectors that fall outside its bounds like those in construction, childcare, retail and hospitality.

“This is an unfortunate example of over-governance that further muddles the structure of industry, micro-managing systems that are not under threat whilst ignoring deeper issues,” she said.

When she announced the plans, Ms Allan said the Government would undertake consultation to consider the types and sizes of businesses that would be covered by the legislation.

It would also consider the definition of remote work and who is able to do it.

“Not everyone can work from home, but everyone can benefit,” Ms Allan said.

“If you can do your job from home, we’ll make it your right – because we’re on your side.”