Warrnambool-based Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora believes the upcoming introduction of working from home laws will be positive for south west residents.
The state government will introduce new working from home legislation on September 1, with more reform to follow on July 1 next year.
The first step is for businesses with 15 employees or more, with the 2027 reform for small businesses.
“Work from home works for families, because it saves time and money and it gets more parents working,” Ms Ermacora said.
“If you can work from home for a small business, you deserve the same rights as someone working for a big bank.
“Not everyone can work from home, but everyone can benefit.”
Opponents of the working from home laws argue it could create a two-tier economy.
Data shows that of the 30 per cent of Australians that currently work from home, 60 per cent are professionals.
It shows those working from home save an average of $110 a week, or $5308 a year.
These savings come from areas such as not paying for daycare, using less petrol, food and wardrobe.
Those in industries such as trades miss out on these benefits due to the nature of their work.
