Labor’s Retreat on Working From Home: A Rare Glimmer of Pragmatism?

The Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has delayed his government’s working from home legislation, sparking mixed reactions. On one hand, it’s a welcome respite from the petty squabbles that have characterized much of Labor’s tenure in power. The delay also raises questions about the party’s priorities and its ability to manage complex modern politics.

The controversy over working from home legislation is a prime example of how Labor’s ideological zeal has sometimes taken precedence over practical consideration. Jacinta Allan’s announcement of her work-from-home policy at the state Labor conference last year was driven by a desire to create a wedge issue, positioning Labor as the champion of the working class against a callous business elite.

However, most Victorians have already made up their minds on this issue. With the pandemic’s legacy still present, many people continue to work from home part-time, and employers have largely adapted to this new normal. A recent survey by the e61 Institute found that 68% of full-time office workers in Victoria can already work from home at least two days a week – a testament to the flexibility and pragmatism that has become hallmarks of modern business.

Labor’s decision to legislate working from home was driven by its electoral strategy, but also by internal dynamics. For years, Labor has been searching for an issue to galvanize public support and define itself against the Coalition. However, as the party’s poll numbers have improved, it’s become clear that working from home was never going to be the silver bullet they thought it would be.

Carroll’s decision to delay the legislation is a rare display of pragmatism from a Labor government often accused of being out of touch with business and industry. It suggests he may be willing to listen to concerns and adapt policy accordingly – a refreshing change from the usual partisan posturing.

This move also underscores the changed political landscape in Victoria, where the Liberal Party is no longer the hapless opposition it once was, and One Nation has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. With genuine issues like roads, education, and affordability dominating voters’ concerns, working from home has been revealed for what it always was: a red herring.

As Carroll navigates this new terrain, he would do well to remember that governing is about more than simply winning fights – it’s also about making decisions that matter to the people who elected him. Delaying the working from home legislation may have been a smart move in the short term, but it’s only one part of a broader equation. To truly regain trust and demonstrate its commitment to governance, Labor must show that it can prioritize substance over slogans, and lead with ideas rather than ideology.

The stakes are high for Carroll and his team as they head into the next election cycle. By putting pragmatism ahead of partisan posturing, they may have just taken their first step towards building a more sustainable relationship between government and business – one that will serve Victorians well in the years to come.