Victorian workers’ right to work from home will be protected by law as part of a plan from Premier Jacinta Allan that threatens to spark a fight with employers.

Ms Allan has used the state conference on Saturday to outline her government’s plans to develop legal protections for workers who want to work from home at least two days a week.

Industrial relations is the domain of the federal government, but Ms Allan will ask her cabinet and department to draft laws to enshrine work from home under state law.

Work from home laws were a major issue at this year’s federal election — the Coalition’s opposition to work from home rules contributed to Peter Dutton’s election loss, and has caused consternation among party ranks.

Ms Allan said under the proposed Australian-first laws, if a Victorian could “reasonably” do their job at home, they would be able to do so for at least two days a week regardless of whether they were in the public or private sector.

“Work from home has changed millions of lives. While not everyone can work from home, everyone can still benefit ” Ms Allan said.

“Day after day, unions are being contacted by workers who have [been] denied reasonable requests to work from home.

“Across the country, Liberals are drawing up plans to abolish work from home — and force workers back to the office and back to the past.”

a person types at a laptop on her desk at home, a diary and cup of tea beside her

Under the proposal, if a Victorian could “reasonably” do their job at home they would be able to do so for at least two days a week. (Pexels: Peter Olexa)

The Victorian Opposition has signalled its support for working from home rights to be put into law. 

“We support measures that help Victorians enjoy a better work-life balance, and will review any legislation closely, to ensure it supports flexibility, productivity, and personal choice,” Opposition Leader Brad Battin said on Saturday.

While Ms Allan is focusing on work rights, the conference will debate motions for Labor Party members on recognising Palestinian statehood, which is expected to win majority support.

The conference is also set to be targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters, who last year stormed the event at Moonee Valley Racecourse.

Other items on the agenda include debating the merits of the AUKUS alliance, with some Labor operatives working to minimise the impact on Deputy Prime Minister and Victorian MP Richard Marles.