The decision by the Victorian Parliament to require a review of the Government's Work from Home Bill is a victory for common sense.
The Chair of the Victorian Congress of Employer Associations (VCEA), Australian Industry Group Victorian Head Tim Piper, said the decision showed there was significant concern that the legislation was an overreach, was unnecessary and would create further problems in the Victorian economy.
"Employers have said for many months that this legislation should be scrapped. We remain strongly of that view and encourage the Government to accept that this legislation should be dead and buried," Mr Piper said.
"Businesses have told us this legislation is anti-business. It's the policy of division and created for a different era. It creates winners and losers for the employees and discourages business from investing.
"We encourage the Government to move on to developing policy which will grow the economy, encourage investment and help reduce unemployment," Mr Piper said.
He said the Victorian Legislative Council could now ask for better evidence as to how the legislation could benefit Victorians, as nothing objective had been provided by the Government. However he said the better option would be for the Government to recognise the flaws in the legislation and "lay it to rest".
Mr Piper said VCEA members have consistently argued that the proposed legislation raises serious concerns regarding productivity, workplace flexibility, investment attractiveness, compliance costs and the potential for increased workplace disputes. Those concerns have been raised directly with government, opposition and crossbench representatives throughout the Parliamentary process.
