The Property Council has questioned the Victorian Government's need to legislate working from home arrangements when the government's own survey shows that Victorians are already embracing flexibility.
The government's latest survey into working from home shows that 82 percent of respondents reported already having the option of working from home, while 36 percent are currently working from home two days per week.
Property Council Victorian Executive Director Cath Evans says the results are not surprising.
"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.
"With this in mind, the question really becomes why we need to legislate a system that is already working.
"What suits one company may sink another. Some roles require in-person collaboration, whereas others are more suited to remote working. The government should not interfere in operational decisions best left to employers and employees.
Ms Evans said Victoria is still paying the price of reduced CBD foot traffic.
"Our city is still recovering. 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.
"This proposal looks less like policy and more like politics – a vote-winner that risks hollowing out our economic centre.
"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."
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