From work-from-home rights to psychosocial regulations, Tamsin Lawrence flags the reforms Victorian HR leaders need on their radar
Victorian employers face a crowded employment law agenda heading into the end of 2026. A proposed right to work from home, new limits on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and tougher psychosocial safety duties are all competing for HR's attention, according to Tamsin Lawrence, director at Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA).
Lawrence will speak at HRFest Australia 2026, which takes place at The Timber Yard in Melbourne on 18 November 2026. She told HRD that workplace relations now needs to be treated as a boardroom priority.
The most publicised reform is the Victorian Government's work from home legislation. Introduced on 16 June 2026, the Equal Opportunity Amendment (Work from Home) Bill 2026 would give eligible Victorian employees the right to work from home two days a week where reasonable, pro rata for part-time and regular casual staff.
The bill has stalled for now. The Legislative Council referred it to a select committee, which is due to report by 20 October 2026, and further debate is deferred until then. Government amendments announced on 10 September 2026 clarified, among other things, that employers are not responsible for internet and basic utility costs. Because of the committee referral, the bill is unlikely to pass before the November state election unless Parliament is recalled.
Lawrence said the latest changes...
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