Thursday, 14 August 2025

Ministers statements: working from home

Colin BROOKS (Bundoora – Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Minister for Creative Industries) (14:38): Victoria’s economy is in very good health, with solid economic growth, business investment and booming exports. Despite some people trying to run down Victoria’s success, global leaders such as Orora beverages, Mondelēz, Arnott’s, George Weston Foods and, my favourite, MECCA are choosing Victoria to establish and expand their operations.

Jacinta Allan: What’s your favourite product?

Colin BROOKS: Skin care. This is a vote of confidence in Victoria’s economy and our highly skilled workforce. We know that working from home is good for workers and it is good for business. Of course not everyone can work from home, and I want to particularly acknowledge those workers on production lines, on shop floors, in factories and in labs, who have made Victoria the nation’s manufacturing powerhouse. Their efforts are valued and essential to our shared economic success. These workers understand what the Liberals do not – that workplace flexibility is not apartheid, it is good for everybody. Working from home expands the talent pool for businesses to draw from. They can access broader geographic talent, including those in regional areas, fostering economic development outside of Melbourne and vice versa. Attracting diverse talent also spurs the innovation and competitiveness vital for Victoria’s economic growth.

The evidence is in, and working from home is a productivity winner. The elimination of commuting saves time and energy and reduces congestion for freight and business transport. Families may benefit from a partner who is able to manage the house because they are working from home or just getting around without the extra traffic. Not every worker can work from home, but chances are they know and love someone who can and who needs to.