The South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) has called for greater transparency around proposed Victorian work-from-home legislation, arguing that workplace flexibility arrangements are already being managed effectively between employers and employees in the manufacturing sector.
In a statement published on LinkedIn, SEMMA said the proposed policy raised concerns for manufacturers and other businesses that rely on employees being physically present at work.
The organisation, which represents manufacturers in Melbourne’s south-east, said industrial relations laws, including workplace flexibility arrangements, are primarily governed at the federal level and urged the Victorian Government to clearly communicate the limits of its authority.
SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker said employers and workers were best placed to negotiate flexibility arrangements that suited their individual workplaces.
“As manufacturers, we are asking government to respect the arrangements already working in private industry. Employers and employees are best placed to negotiate practical flexibility directly. We do not need unnecessary legislation layered over workplaces where common sense is already delivering outcomes,” Walker said.
She added that industry required “certainty, honesty and clear communication” and argued that the proposed policy was designed for the public sector rather than private industry.
According to SEMMA, many manufacturers and small-to-medium enterprises already offer flexible working arrangements where they are practical and operationally viable. The organisation said a broad work-from-home approach did not reflect the realities of businesses involved in manufacturing, logistics, maintenance and service delivery.
“Work from home should only apply where it is genuinely practical. It cannot be imposed on industries where physical presence is essential,” Walker said.
SEMMA also warned that the proposal could create tension between employers and employees and potentially increase pressures on businesses operating in Victoria.
“This policy is dividing our workforce. If enacted, it could have a devastating impact on businesses forcing unrealistic demands on employers. If it gets any harder to do business in Victoria, companies will close, people will lose their jobs as this Victorian policy pitches employer against employee in a previously workable environment,” Walker said.
The manufacturing body further argued that any workplace policy should recognise the role of workers whose jobs require on-site attendance, including those in healthcare, emergency services, education, hospitality, transport and manufacturing.
“SEMMA is concerned that a universal work-from-home approach also fails to recognise the essential workers who cannot do their jobs from a kitchen table,” Walker said. “Any serious workplace policy must start with that reality.”
SEMMA said it was urging the Victorian Government to provide clear information to employers and workers about how any proposed legislation would apply across different sectors of the economy.
