Thursday, 5 March 2026

 Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business and Employment, Minister for Youth) (14:31): This week we are celebrating International Women’s Day, recognising the incredible contributions that women make in our communities. Yesterday I hosted inspiring multicultural women who are making their mark. More than a third of small business owners in Victoria are women, and they are kicking goals in business, health and education while caring for children, parents and families. Yesterday we heard from the Minister for Women and many others, and a shout-out to the members for Broadmeadows, Geelong, Pascoe Vale, Narre Warren North and many others who attended.

The message from these women was clear: juggling family, work and life is challenging, and that is why flexibility matters. Working from home helps women unlock their full potential. I am proud to be part of a government that will protect workers’ right to work from home. We will introduce legislation this year, and small businesses will have until July next year to prepare. This is a commonsense approach. If you can, you should be able to work from home. We know it is delivering a boost to small businesses in our suburbs and creating new opportunities across our state. Suburban cafes and small businesses are busier than ever. Less time commuting and more time with family is our priority. We know that all this is now under threat. We know what the Liberals in Canberra think about work from home, and those opposite are no different. On this side of the house we are backing families.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, again a minister is using a ministers statement to attack the opposition.

Mary-Anne Thomas: On the point of order, Speaker, there are rulings from the Chair that make it very clear that it is appropriate to compare and contrast the policy positions of the government with those who seek that office.

The SPEAKER: References to previous administrations are allowed, but not directly attacking the current opposition. The minister to come back to her ministers statement.

Natalie SULEYMAN: I will be very clear that on this side of the house we are backing families. We will always fight for fairness and a right to work from home, and this is why it will be law – with or without you.

The SPEAKER: I do hope, Minister, that you were not reflecting on the Chair. I remind the minister and other members that the use of ‘you’ is a reflection on the Chair.