Tuesday, 16 June 2026

 Paul EDBROOKE (Frankston – Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Cost of Living, Minister for Renters, Minister for Men and Boys) (14:14): Families are facing new challenges. The cost of living is not just putting pressure on the hip pocket, it is putting pressure on the clock. That is why today Labor has introduced legislation to enshrine the right to work from home in the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, making Victoria the first place to do so. Under these new laws, Victorians who can do their job from home will have the right to do so for two days a week. No matter if you work from home full time, part time or as a regular casual, you can do it. Working from home works for families. It puts more than $5000 a year back in the pockets of families as well. That is money to help with the cost of fuel, groceries and the bills. It gets more parents, more women, more carers and more people with disabilities back into the workforce. And as we mark Men’s Health Week, it is worth saying that financial stress and work pressure are amongst the biggest drivers of poor mental health for men and fathers, and working from home can help ease that, which is why we are locking it in for good.

There are those in this chamber who would strip this right away before the ink is even dry.

Members interjecting.

Paul EDBROOKE: Well, there are a lot of people that would love to see you work from home on your side, mate. The One Nation–Liberal coalition –

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! I will only say this once to the minister: you will address the Chair, not across the chamber. Members will cease interjecting.

Paul EDBROOKE: Thank you for your guidance, Speaker. The One Nation–Liberal coalition are gearing up to cut the right to work from home.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, the minister should know that he cannot use a ministers statement to attack the opposition.

The SPEAKER: I remind members and ministers that, when they are on their feet during question time, a ministers statement is not an opportunity to attack the opposition. It is okay to compare and contrast with previous governments.

Paul EDBROOKE: On the point of order, Speaker, if it assists the house, I am willing to table ‘James Newbury makes call to cut WFH’ from the Herald Sun last year.

The SPEAKER: Order! That is not a point of order, Minister.