Greens join Vic Labor’s push for 2 day work from home: a productivity boon

Greens join Vic Labor’s push for 2 day work from home: a productivity boon | Australian Greens Skip to main content Search Get Involved Join Donate Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Get Involved Join Donate Search Our plan Toggle Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Toggle Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Toggle Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement Toggle About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Greens join Vic Labor’s push for 2 day work from home: a productivity boon 2025-08-20 Australians should have the legal right to work from home at least two days a week where it is practical and reasonable, according to federal Greens spokesperson for employment and workplace relations Senator Barbara Pocock.

Under the new Greens policy, employers would be required to positively consider reasonable requests to work from home at least two days a week, provided working from home was not at odds with the inherent nature of a workers’ role. Flexible work arrangements, such as the ability to work from home, have enabled millions of workers, many of them women, to balance care responsibilities with paid work.

Legislating the right to work from home, where it is sensible and doable, will not only protect women’s access to the labour market and economic equality gains, it will also increase workforce participation and ultimately boost productivity. Lines attributable to Greens Leader and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters “The Prime Minister supports Victorian Labor Premier Jacinta Allen’s push for legislating work from home two days a week.

Now he has a chance to work with the Greens in federal parliament to make this a reality for those Australians whose jobs it suits. “We know that for millions of Australians, especially women, the ability to work from home provides the flexibility they need to balance work with the other important things in their lives, including care. Many men are also looking for this flexibility, and it will help them be more involved in care responsibilities, and reduce commute time and cost for workers everywhere.

“In the same way that the Greens worked with Labor to establish the very successful Right to Disconnect, we want to work together to establish a reasonable right to work from home that will increase productivity and flexibility in workplaces. “Given that most workers in Australia are covered by federal workplace law, it makes sense to create this right at the national level.

We need a sensible, national approach. Lines attributable to Australian Greens spokesperson for employment and workplace relations, Senator Barbara Pocock: “Working from home is not possible in all roles but where it is practical, workers should have a reasonable right to work from home for up to a couple of days a week. They should not be at risk of having that right arbitrarily removed when it is working in practical ways that boost productivity and help workers.

“Women shouldn’t have to give up their careers to have a family. By improving work from home rights, we’re protecting women’s rights to work while caring for their families. This isn’t just a win for women, workers and families, it’s a win for our economy.

“The ability to work from home has many benefits , not only for women and carers - it also reduces the time spent on commuting, improves work-life balance, increases emotional and physical wellbeing, and boosts workforce participation and productivity. “The Productivity Commission has found that working from home not only reduces breaks and sick days, it can be less distracting than working on-site, which can lead to improved productivity.

Similarly, OECD research shows that working from home—especially in hybrid models—can boost productivity and employee well-being, provided businesses invest in digital tools and smart management practices. “The Greens want to see real improvements in the conditions and rights of Australian workers that reflects the modern workplaces of 2025 and beyond. The Prime Minister has already acknowledged the benefits of working from home.

Now he has an opportunity to work with the Greens to enshrine it in law. We will always fight for workers’ rights and that includes stronger protections for working women. Facebook for the Australian Greens YouTube for the Australian Greens X for the Australian Greens Instagram for the Australian Greens Bluesky for the Australian Greens Privacy Members website Your safety Contact us Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action In your language 2025 policy platform Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Federal portfolios Federal media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Upcoming events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Green Magazine All news Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Members website State/territory parties Contact us The Greens acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

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