The Pat Kenny Show Should working from home be a legal right?
Oct 7, 2025
Damian McCarthy, CEO of HR consultancy HR Buddy, shares his insights on the proposed law in Victoria allowing workers to work from home two days a week. While he supports remote work, he opposes making it a legal right, highlighting roles like emergency services that can't operate remotely. He raises concerns about how such legislation might affect recruitment in essential fields and the potential for greater workplace divisions. Additionally, Damian warns that this could deter investment and innovation, suggesting the proposal is politically motivated.
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Remote Work Support, Not Mandate
- Damian McCarthy supports remote work but opposes a legislated universal right to two days at home.
- He argues such a mandate is impractical across many professions and needs exemptions.
Risk To Public-Service Recruitment
- Damian warns that a legal right to work from home could deter people from vital public-service careers.
- He says young workers might avoid jobs like nursing or emergency services if home work becomes an expected entitlement.
Investment And Innovation Concerns
- Damian highlights investor concerns that enforced WFH rights may reduce innovation and scare off multinationals.
- He cites a US multinational preferring people in the workplace for creativity and a potential investor avoiding Victoria.