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Worker Member Newsletter: Spring 2024

LeavePlus Loop

Your quarterly newsletter to keep LeavePlus members up to date with the latest developments and news from your Construction Industry Long Service Leave Scheme.

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Contact Us

Worker Member Newsletter: Spring 2024

LeavePlus Loop

Your quarterly newsletter to keep LeavePlus members up to date with the latest developments and news from your Construction Industry Long Service Leave Scheme.

Homepage
Contact Us
LeavePlus Loop Newsletter

Made For Members

LeavePlus is proud to support members of the Victorian Construction Industry to take their well-earned break using their portable long service leave. You work in a demanding industry, so you're not just going to want a break, you're going to need one. Portable long service leave means you can take your leave with you and make use of that benefit when you need it most. This benefits you, your employer, and the industry as a whole with a workforce that's ready to go again after taking time out to recharge.

Benefits
LeavePlus Loop Newsletter

Made For Members

LeavePlus is proud to support members of the Victorian Construction Industry to take their well-earned break using their portable long service leave. You work in a demanding industry, so you're not just going to want a break, you're going to need one. Portable long service leave means you can take your leave with you and make use of that benefit when you need it most. This benefits you, your employer, and the industry as a whole with a workforce that's ready to go again after taking time out to recharge.

Benefits

Checked your service lately?

Your Employer reports to LeavePlus the days you have performed Construction Work in the Construction Industry in Victoria every three months. Your July-September 2024 Service was due to be reported by your Employer on 14 October 2024.

Have you checked that your July-September 2024 Service is up to date?
Now is a great time to log in and check that all your Service has been recorded correctly.

Log in to LeavePlus

Checked your service lately?

Your Employer reports to LeavePlus the days you have performed Construction Work in the Construction Industry in Victoria every three months. Your July-September 2024 Service was due to be reported by your Employer on 14 October 2024.

Have you checked that your all your Service for Financial Year 2023-24 has been reported by your Employer?
Now is a great time to log in and go through your FY2024 Statement of Service in the LeavePlus Portal.

Log in to LeavePlus

Your Questions Answered

Here are the most common questions that LeavePlus members are asking right now:

Applications at Christmas time

You asked:

If I apply to take my long service leave now, when will my Benefit be paid?

We answered:

As the Christmas holidays approach, there’s a significant increase in demand for Long Service Leave Benefits from LeavePlus. In the Construction Industry, many workers typically take an extended break from late December through January to enjoy the summer months. This allows them to return refreshed and revitalised. Given the popularity of this trend among our members, it places a high demand on our Member Benefits team.

To ensure we can manage this demand effectively, we want to inform our members that applications for Long Service Leave Benefits received after Friday 8th November 2024 will be processed for payment in early 2025.

It is important for us to provide transparency during this busy period. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to process your applications efficiently.

Christmas Timeframes

Public Holidays While On Long Service Leave

You asked:

Who pays public holidays while I’m on long service leave?

We answered:

Your Long Service Leave Benefit payment is based solely on the weekdays within the period that you have applied for i.e. 1 week of long service leave = 5 days (Mon-Fri). This is regardless of any public holidays that may fall during your long service leave period.

For example, if you have applied to claim a Long Service Leave Benefit from Monday 23rd December 2024 to Friday 3rd January 2025, LeavePlus will pay you 2 weeks’ worth of Long Service Leave Benefit for the 10 weekdays in that date range – in this period you will be on unpaid leave from your employer. During that same period, 25th and 26th December and 1st January are public holidays. You should check with your employer if you are entitled to be paid by them for any public holidays. LeavePlus only pays you for the weekdays in your requested leave period, regardless of when that is.

LSL Benefit Payments

Resetting Online Passwords

You asked:

How can I reset my online password for the LeavePlus Portal?

We answered:

Many of our members might not log in to the LeavePlus portal for a number of weeks at a time, so it can be easy to forget your member number and password if you don’t have them saved anywhere or use a password manager like LastPass, NordPass, or 1Password.

To reset your password, follow the instructions on our Support webpage using the button below.

Over the next couple of months, we will also be implementing a new authentication solution that will provide a more secure, user-friendly way to access the LeavePlus Portal.

You will have the ability to unlock your account yourself and easily reset your password via link sent to your email address – no more copying and pasting temporary passwords!

You can read more about these features in our updates below.

LeavePlus Support

FY2024 Fund Highlights

The results are in for the performance of the Long Service Leave Fund for the Financial Year 2023-2024 (FY2024). Overall, the year produced some excellent results, despite market volatility and some challenging economic conditions. 

Funds Under Management

Investment Return

Funding Ratio

The Fund grew by 10% (from $2B to $2.2B) over the year, as a result of a 7.85% investment return for the year (well above the 5.88% objective) plus the $271.7M in Long Service Leave Charges paid by Employers into the Fund.

In targeting a funding ratio of 120% (the Fund’s ability to pay current and projected long service leave benefits at 30 June 2024) LeavePlus again produced a result beyond target at 125.4% as at 30 June 2024. The strength of the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Scheme is underpinned by our responsible investment model for managing the Fund.

This positive performance and the stability of having a centrally administered Scheme reassures LeavePlus members that the fund can pay our members’ Long Service Leave Benefits when they need to take their well-earned break.

For a comprehensive review of the performance of the Fund over FY2024, take a look at The Fund Report 2024 publication on our website.

The Fund Report 2024

Member Login Improvements

Member Login Improvements

Over the next couple of weeks, we will be implementing a new authentication solution that will provide a more secure, user-friendly way to access the LeavePlus Portal. Here’s what our members can expect:

If you’re logging in on a mobile device, you will notice the log in page will be updated to the LeavePlus branding (formerly CoINVEST).

You will have the ability to unlock your account yourself. You’ll also be notified if your account is locked for any reason.

No more copying and pasting temporary passwords if you forget or need to reset your password. You will instead receive an email with a link to reset your password.

Better supporting guidance and new website FAQs to guide you through.

To make the move as smooth as possible, we advise members to:

  + Update or confirm your personal and contact details in the LeavePlus Portal

  + Add your current mobile phone number to your profile

  + Set up Multi-Factor Authentication to protect your personal and private data

We may contact you in lead up to this change if we identify any incorrect details for you in the LeavePlus Portal, or if we need your support to correct any outdated information. We will also have an update on the LeavePlus website to let you know the transition has been completed.

Learn more

In the coming weeks, we will be transitioning to a leading authentication solution that will provide a more secure, user-friendly way for our Worker and Working Sub-Contractor Members to access the LeavePlus Portal. Here’s what you can expect:

When logging in for the first time, you will be prompted to reset your password. On mobile devices, you will also notice the log in page will be updated to the new LeavePlus branding (formerly COINVEST).

Members will benefit from the ability to self-service when reactivating locked profiles or resetting passwords via a magic-link. This means no more copying and pasting temporary passwords or having to call us just to reset passwords. There will also be additional resources for members to access to guide you through each process step by step.

To make the move as smooth as possible, we advise members to:

  + Update or confirm your personal and contact details in the LeavePlus Portal

  + Add your current mobile phone number to your profile

  + Set up Multi-Factor Authentication to protect your personal and private data

We may contact you in lead up to this change if we identify any incorrect details for you in the LeavePlus Portal, or if we need your support to correct any outdated information. We will also have an update on the LeavePlus website to let you know the transition has been completed..

Learn more

Simplified Claim Form

Simplified Claim Form

Making it easier to claim a Long Service Leave Benefit

Applying to be paid a Long Service Leave Benefit should be as easy as taking a holiday. To help make the application process clearer and more efficient, we are working on some improvements to our Claim Form and simplifying how you apply online.

What does this mean for me?

If you have previously applied to claim a Long Service Leave Benefit through LeavePlus, you will notice some significant improvements to the application form.

What exactly is changing?

The first stage is to give the form a facelift. We have designed some simpler, more modern screens to make the form easier to navigate. We are also adjusting the questions in the application to make them easier to understand.

In addition to improving the look and feel of the form, we are also improving the way the form works under the hood. Integrating more in-form guidance to help you navigate the form, and adding new questions to ensure we get everything up front will streamline how we validate and process your application.

The way that Long Service Leave Benefit applications are processed once received will remain the same, and we will continue to operate in accordance with the processing timeframes advertised on our website.

When is the new form being launched?

We are currently in the final build and testing the new form with a plan to launch the form to all members early in 2025. As we get closer to the launch date, we will share more updates about how you will be able to access both the new claim form and supporting information to assist you when completing it.

Making it easier to claim a Long Service Leave Benefit

Applying to be paid a Long Service Leave Benefit should be as easy as taking a holiday. To help make the application process clearer and more efficient, we are working on some improvements to our Claim Form and simplifying how you apply online.

What does this mean for me?

If you have previously applied to claim a Long Service Leave Benefit through LeavePlus, you will notice some significant improvements to the application form.

What exactly is changing?

The first stage is to give the form a facelift. We have designed some simpler, more modern screens to make the form easier to navigate. We are also adjusting the questions in the application to make them easier to understand.

In addition to improving the look and feel of the form, we are also improving the way the form works under the hood. Integrating more in-form guidance to help you navigate the form, and adding new questions to ensure we get everything up front will streamline how we validate and process your application.

The way that Long Service Leave Benefit applications are processed once received will remain the same, and we will continue to operate in accordance with the processing timeframes advertised on our website.

When is the new form being launched?

We are currently in the final build and testing the new form with a plan to launch the form to all members early in 2025. As we get closer to the launch date, we will share more updates about how you will be able to access both the new claim form and supporting information to assist you when completing it.

LeavePlus at Christmas

LeavePlus at Christmas

The lead up to the Christmas holidays is typically an extremely busy period for Long Service Leave Benefit applications. As previously advised, applications to claim Long Service Leave Benefits received after Friday 8th November 2024 are not guaranteed to be paid before Christmas.

LeavePlus and its staff will be taking a well-earned break over the festive period. Our office and phone lines will close at 5:00pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024 and will reopen at 9:00am on Thursday 2 January 2025.

 

We wish all LeavePlus Employer, Worker, and Working Sub-Contractor members a safe and happy festive period, and we look forward to seeing you again in the new year.

Learn more

The lead up to the Christmas holidays is typically an extremely busy period for Long Service Leave Benefit applications. As previously advised, applications to claim Long Service Leave Benefits received after Friday 8th November 2024 will be processed for payment in early 2025.

LeavePlus and its staff will be taking a well-earned break over the festive period. Our office and phone lines will close at 5pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024 and will reopen at 9:00am on Thursday 2 January 2025.

We wish all LeavePlus Employer, Worker, and Working Sub-Contractor members a safe and happy festive period, and we look forward to seeing you again in the new year.

Learn more

Feature Focus

FY2024: Year In Review

Having recently published our Annual Report, we’re excited to share our highlights from FY2024. The twelve-month period from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 was a truly historic time for your Construction Industry Long Service Leave Scheme.

We commenced refurbishment work on our office building (including the development of a brand-new member centre), and, perhaps most notably, we rebranded the Scheme from CoINVEST to LeavePlus.

FY2024 saw strong returns to the Long Service Leave Fund, and it also marked the introduction of our hugely significant business transformation project. LeavePlus CEO Craig Bell takes you through the key milestones of FY2024 in our ‘Year In Review’ video.

Chasing Waterfalls

The spring rainfalls can often transform a dormant trickle of a waterfall into a cascading torrent of beauty. Victoria is blessed with some of the best waterfalls in the land, and spring is the best time to see them in full flow. Here are our top six picks for waterfalls to visit in Victoria.

Chasing Waterfalls

The spring rainfalls can often transform a dormant trickle of a waterfall into a cascading torrent of beauty. Victoria is blessed with some of the best waterfalls in the land, and spring is the best time to see them in full flow. Here are our top six picks for waterfalls to visit in Victoria.

Agnes Falls

Agnes Falls

With impressive gorge views, cascading falls, an abundance of wildlife and unique, protected forest, Agnes Falls is a hidden patch of serenity near the Gippsland coastline. A short drive from Toora or Welshpool, it's also a beautiful, scenic stop on a day trip exploring South Gippsland.

A 200m walking track leads from the car park to the falls viewing area, where you can see the Agnes River tumble over rocks and into the steep, sheltered gorge below. The falls are even more spectacular in wet seasons and after heavy rain

Agnes Falls
Erskine Falls

Erskine Falls

Even in a region known for its magnificent waterfalls, Erskine Falls stands out. A short diversion from the Great Ocean Road and 15 minutes from Lorne, you can park close to the 30-metre cascade - or enjoy it as part of a longer, secluded walk through lush rainforest.

The Otway Ranges are infamous for their high rainfall - but on the plus side all that water means lush green fern gullies carved out by rivers and waterfalls. Erskine Falls is particularly popular among the waterfalls of the Otways, plunging down a 30-metre drop.

Erskine Falls
MacKenzie Falls

MacKenzie Falls

MacKenzie Falls is the most iconic and spectacular waterfall in the Grampians. Watch the majestic waterfall from the lookout platform or tackle the steep climb to the base of the falls. Make the most of your day trip in the Grampians National Park with a strenuous walk through the beautiful MacKenzie River Gorge to Zumsteins Historic Area.

MacKenzie Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria and a must-see on your trip to Grampians National Park. It's the only waterfall in the Grampians that flows all year round.

McKenzie Falls
Trentham Falls

Trentham Falls

Trentham Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Central Victoria, and a must see when you’re visiting Daylesford or Trentham. A popular destination in Winter and Spring, Trentham falls show their true might in the spring rainfall season. Trentham Falls boasts the highest single drop of any waterfall in Central Victoria, plunging more than 32 metres down a basalt cliff.

The falls have formed a ravine several hundred metres long. Either taking the steps or the gently sloped path, glimpses of the falls can be seen as you meander your way down from the easy-to-access carpark. Take a seat on the benches provided or stand at the lookout whilst you take in the beauty of the falls and nature around you.

Trentham Falls
Stevenson Falls

Steavenson Falls

Dozens of waterfalls are dotted throughout the Murrindindi region, each with a character and timeless beauty of its own, some more accessible than others. Well worth a visit is the renowned Stevenson Falls at Marysville. Take the easy stroll to one of Victoria's highest waterfalls.

The falls were opened to tourists in 1866, and drop a total of 84 metres into the Steavenson River Valley. The gravelled path and falls are floodlit between dusk and midnight. Walk 350 metres to the viewing platform below the falls. You can visit the turbine generator along the way. A viewing platform spans the river providing a vantage point from the far side.

Steavenson Falls
Beauchamp

Beauchamp Falls

Beauchamp Falls is one of several waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park. Located near the town of Beech Forest, it is an easy stop near the Great Ocean Road.

Walk through magnificent mountain ash forests with large myrtle beech, blackwood and thick ferns to arrive at the spectacle of the Beauchamp Falls crashing over a ledge into a large pool.

One of several waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park, this 20-metre waterfall rewards a somewhat strenuous walk.

Beauchamp Falls

CoINVEST Limited as Trustee for the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Fund (trading as LeavePlus) ABN: 35 078 004 985.

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LeavePlus acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.