LeavePlus Loop Edition 2 2025

Worker Member Newsletter: Edition 2 2025

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

Worker Member Newsletter: Edition 2 2025

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.

LeavePlus Loop Newsletter

Made For Members

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 Jan-Mar 2025 Service was due to be reported by your Employer on 14 April 2025, and your Apr-Jun 2025 service is due to be reported by 14 July 2025.

Have you checked that your January-March 2025 Service is up to date?
Now is a great time to log in and check that all your Service has been recorded correctly.

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 Jan-Mar 2025 Service was due to be reported by your Employer on 14 April 2025, and your Apr-Jun 2025 Service is due to be reported by 14 July 2025.

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.

LEAVEPLUS KEY MILESTONES

FINANCE & INVESTMENT UPDATE

Funding ratio (assets to liabilities) as at 31 March 2025

Year-To-Date return to the Fund (1 July 2024 to 31 March 2025)

Funds under management as at 31 March 2025

$ B

Asset Classes

Portfolio structure comprises 80% growth assets and 20% defensive assets

Alternatives 9.85%

The best performing asset of the July 2024 to March 2025 period was Alternatives, with a return of 9.85%

$186M

Paid to members in long service leave benefit claims in the July 2024 to March 2025 period

$231M

Contributed to the Fund in in Long Service Leave Charges in the period July 2024 to March 2025

The Fund holds an investment in the Palisade Impact Fund, an Australian-based infrastructure manager focused on targeting solutions to environmental and social challenges.

In late 2024, Palisade Impact Fund acquired Energy Locals, a forward-thinking energy retailer operating along Australia’s East Coast.

Energy Locals delivers greener, more affordable energy solutions to Australian households. The acquisition has delivered promising early results, with a gross return of 5.7% as at 31 March 2025.

MEMBER SERVICES UPDATE

About 70,000 of our 280,000 worker members can claim a long service leave benefit from LeavePlus. We notice three busy times each year—July, when the new financial year begins; December, as people prepare for the Christmas break; and Easter, as the holiday season approaches..

Throughout these peak periods, our service to our members continues to be driven by our core value ‘Here For Members’, striving to put members at the centre of everything we do.

19,583 LSL benefits paid

Through our peak periods, we saw a huge uptake in applications to claim a long service leave benefit.

$186M paid in benefits

The July 2024 to March 2025 period saw a record amount of long service leave benefit payments, averaging more than $20M per month.

65,843 calls taken

The July 2024 to March 2025 period saw a high volume of phone calls handled by our member response team, with an average of over 7,300 per month.

LEGAL & COMPLIANCE UPDATE

The Legal & Compliance department plays a key role at LeavePlus. It ensures that all LeavePlus members comply with the Act and the rules of the scheme. The department registers employers with the scheme and informs them of their obligations. Our teams work to ensure that employers submit returns information and pay long service leave charges on time.

Our in-house legal team prosecutes non-compliant employers. LeavePlus regularly obtains and enforces court orders. These orders can impose fines and criminal convictions. They also enforce deadlines for providing outstanding returns information.

The Legal & Compliance department has seen great success with recovering contributions, registering employers, and resolving service investigation cases. Several key milestones were achieved in the July 2024 to March 2025 period:

$2.8M Unpaid & Late Contributions recovered

5,083 employers were directly contacted by our Employer Obligations team. This activity resulted in total payments of $2,793,597 to LeavePlus in long service leave charges.

2,228 employers registered

The Registrations team initiated several new campaigns targeting employers who have recently entered the industry, aiming to raise awareness of their scheme obligations and promote compliance.

2,890 cases resolved

The Service Investigations team successfully resolved a milestone number of cases involving members with missing service records from non-compliant employers in Victoria.

Who pays for apprentices?

We answered:

Neither apprentices nor Workers are required to pay anything into the Scheme. All obligations to pay charges rest with your employer.

All charges received to the Long Service Leave Fund come from employers whose workers carry out work covered by the scheme in Victoria. But while you’re an apprentice, LeavePlus won’t charge your employer a single cent. LeavePlus covers the full long service costs of the apprenticeships covered under the scheme.

You then claim your long service leave benefit directly through LeavePlus when you’ve accrued enough service and reached an entitlement.

Can I leave the industry and rejoin later?

We answered:

If you leave the construction industry or move into a non-covered role within the industry (such as site supervisor, project manager or sales etc.) no further service will be recorded for you with LeavePlus.

Your service record will remain open and active for up to 4 years, in case you return to performing covered work again. If you return within 4 years, you can continue to build on top of the service you already had.

If you do not return within 4 years, your service record will be made inactive. This means that if you started building up service again at a later point, you would not be able to build on top of what you previously had. A new block of service would start again from zero.

How has the Fund been performing?

We answered:

The Fund’s investment performance continues to exceed expectations. The Fund delivered a 6.1% year-to-date return at the end of the March quarter.

With $2.26 billion in funds under management and a funding ratio of 126.3%, members can feel confident in the strength of our investment strategy, which continues to grow the Fund on their behalf.

As we finalise the results for FY2025 over the coming weeks, we look forward to sharing the full outcomes in our Annual Report later this year.

BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION UPDATE

At LeavePlus we are working hard to ensure that all our members have timely access to their long service leave. We want them to receive the best and most efficient service from us.

Their feedback helps us to roadmap the next stage of our transformation project. The next six months are set to deliver benefits via several product releases and platform improvements:

+ NEW CLAIM FORM: EXPANDED RELEASE

In April we launched our new claim form, allowing Workers to opt-in to using it. We’ve been making improvements to the form and adding on new functionality behind the scenes. After the initial success of the new claim form, we will soon be extending access out to even more member types.

+ NEW RETURNS FUNCTIONS

The next stage of the project is now focusing on the quarterly Returns function. This will ensure that employer members will also see new technological and process improvements. We will be developing a new ‘backdated returns’ function as we roll out our new ‘quarterly returns’ form. This will help employers to properly record their workers’ service in real time. It will also help to more easily recover any missing periods for their workers.

+ ID VERIFICATION TECHNOLOGY

We’re also excited to integrate new technology for improved identity verification. This new technology will further enhance the security of our members’ entitlements. It will also provide a more seamless experience when logging in to our systems or contacting us.

At LeavePlus we are working hard to ensure that all our members have timely access to their long service leave and receive the best and most efficient service from us.

Feedback from our members has helped us to develop and roadmap the next exciting stage of our transformation project. The next six months are set to deliver benefits to our members via several product releases and platform improvements:

+ NEW CLAIM FORM: EXPANDED RELEASE

+ NEW RETURNS FUNCTIONS

Similarly, the next stage of the project is now focusing on the quarterly Returns function to ensure that our Employer members can also benefit from both new technological and process improvements. We will simultaneously be developing a new Backdated Returns function as we roll out our new Quarterly Returns form. This will allow a more comprehensive way for Employers to ensure that all the relevant Service of their Workers is recorded with LeavePlus, regardless of when they joined the Scheme.

+ ID VERIFICATION TECHNOLOGY

We’re also very excited to be preparing new technology for more efficient and accurate identity verification, further enhancing the security of our members’ entitlements. Improving how we verify our members’ identity will help to better protect members’ information and allow for a more seamless experience when logging in to our systems or contacting us.

Rest isn't a luxury - it's essential

Working in the construction industry, you know how physically demanding the job can be. That’s why your portable Long Service Leave through LeavePlus is here – to help you take a well-earned break when you need it most.

But don’t wait until you’re running on empty. Taking time to rest before you’re completely worn out helps you stay strong – mentally, physically and socially.

Planning ahead and knowing what’s coming up can make a big difference. It helps you stay resilient and ready for whatever’s next. Give yourself a well-earned break.

A quick nap can do wonders

Even if you’re just taking a short break on site or resting at home, research shows that a quick nap can boost your energy, improve your focus and help reduce stress.

NASA found that the sweet spot is a 26-minute nap – long enough to sharpen your alertness and job performance, but short enough to avoid that groggy feeling you get from longer naps.

So when it’s break time, make it count. Rest helps you recharge, refocus and avoid decision-fatigue – the kind that can lead to poor outcomes.

Laughter and connection

‘Laughter is the best medicine’ isn’t just a throwaway phrase. It’s backed by science and has real world applications!

Experts maintain that laughter is one of the fastest connection points. Belly laughing has been proven to reset hormonal pathways and has huge physiological benefits.

Encouraging your team members to come up with creative ideas for fun and inclusion is a great foundation for boosting a sense of connection and friendship. This not only helps maintain your own sense of wellbeing, but also helps those around you, too.

METRO TUNNEL VISIT

PUBLIC TRANSPORT UPGRADES

LeavePlus recently visited some of Melbourne’s new train stations built as part of the Metro Tunnel Project. This major transport upgrade has been quietly built under the city for almost eight years and is expected to open in 2025 – one year earlier than planned.

The Metro Tunnel is the biggest change to Melbourne’s train network since the City Loop opened in 1981. It connects the Sunbury line in the north-west with the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines in the south-east, creating a single 97-kilometre train line.

Five new stations have been built: Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall, and Anzac.

Parkville was one of the first stations finished. All five stations follow similar design rules to help people move easily to and from platforms. But each station also has its own look and feel.

+ MODERN PLATFORM FEATURES

Parkville station has long platforms—280 metres—and includes platform screen doors. These doors are new to Victoria and are used in large cities like Singapore and London, to improve commuter safety.

+ SMART DESIGN

The stations use clever design to help people find their way without needing signs. On the ceilings, there are coloured baffles to guide commuters. One side is pink and the other is white. If you see pink, you’re heading out of the station. If you see white, you’re heading in.

+ ART AND COLOUR

Each station has its own colours and artwork. At Parkville, there’s a large artwork called Vernal Glade by Patricia Piccinini. It’s made of colourful ceramic tiles, handcrafted in Japan. The colours are inspired by nature and the Australian bush, and are meant to make people feel calm, hopeful, and warm.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT UPGRADES

Five new stations have been built: Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall, and Anzac.

Parkville was one of the first stations finished. All five stations follow similar design rules to help people move easily to and from platforms. But each station also has its own look and feel.

+ MODERN PLATFORM FEATURES

+ SMART DESIGN

+ ART AND COLOUR

OFFICE TRANSFORMATION COMPLETED

UPPER OFFICE LEVELS

In our last update for employer members, we took you on a guided video tour of our brand-new Member Centre. Since then, we have also seen the opening of the upper office levels, completing our renovation transformation.

Three of the seven floors of the building at 478 Albert Street were taken back to base. This provided a blank canvas and an opportunity for SHAPE builders to create new working spaces. We recently held an Office Opening Event for industry and business stakeholders. The event was a great success, with some fantastic feedback received from our industry peers.

Each space has been designed to create compelling experiences that foster collaboration and community. The carefully designed features have helped to achieve these objectives and provide a workplace that brings people together.

+ CONNECTED TEAMS

A key component of the project was to install an internal staircase between three floors. The intention was to connect our teams together like never before. The staircase encourages a culture of active collaboration between teams and helps us to thrive together.

+ MULTI-USE SPACES

Several new spaces were designed to allow for various uses. There is a large breakout area and kitchen that serves as the communal lunch space. The space also includes video conferencing facilities and presenting equipment, capable of accommodating all-staff meetings and company-wide functions. There are also lounge areas across all floors. These can double as team meeting spaces in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

+ HYRBID WORKING FACILITIES

Modern working spaces must accommodate a diverse range of workstations. This now includes social spaces and video-conference capabilities. Installing new technology into these spaces to allows for more efficient working. To become the best operator of a portable entitlement scheme, adopting new technology is essential.

UPPER OFFICE LEVELS

+ CONNECTED TEAMS

A key component of the project was to install an internal staircase between three floors to connect our teams together. This encourages staff to interact more frequently and actively between different floors, departments, and teams. The staircase links us together like never before and reinforces our culture of collaboration and thriving together.

+ MULTI-USE SPACES

Several new spaces have been designed to allow for various uses. There is a large breakout area and kitchen that serves as the communal lunch space. The space also includes video conferencing facilities and presenting equipment so that the space can accommodate all-staff meetings and company-wide functions. Across all floors there are also lounge areas which can double as team meeting spaces in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

+ HYBRID WORKING FACILITIES

In today’s hybrid office environment, working spaces must accommodate a diverse range of workstations, social spaces, and video-conference capabilities to meet the needs of the modern workplace. Incorporating the newest technology into these spaces to allow for efficient working is key to our vision of becoming the best operator of a portable entitlement scheme.

LEAVEPLUS VOLUNTEER WORK

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

What does it look like when our people support each other—at work and beyond? It looks like this: two days, two locations, and countless helping hands making real improvements for local families and community spaces.

LeavePlus has proudly supported the vital work of Habitat for Humanity for many years. With every new volunteering opportunity, our pride in our people grows as they continue to live our values.

Day One
Volunteers painted a front fence, levelled an uneven backyard, and installed a swing set for a local family—making the space safer and more enjoyable.

Day Two
At Benwerren Women’s Retreat, the team created a walking path in the garden, cleared a fire break along the fence line, and pulled up carpets in a granny flat to prepare for new tenants.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

LeavePlus has proudly supported the vital work of Habitat for Humanity for many years. With every new volunteering opportunity, our pride in our people grows as they continue to live our values.

Day One
Volunteers painted a front fence, levelled an uneven backyard, and installed a swing set for a local family—making the space safer and more enjoyable.

East Gippsland Winter Fest

Experience how East Gippsland does winter, as the region comes alive in a month-long festival of luminous art, epic winter feasts, trestle bridge soirees, lively music, dark skies, roaring fires and cold plunges.

Incorporating Winter Solstice and the Winter School Holidays, the fifth annual East Gippsland Winter Festival will present one of the largest winter festival programs anywhere in Australia, offering something for all ages and a memorable winter getaway with family or friends. With more than 100 different events across East Gippsland, there's a huge variety to suit all tastes.

Electric Wonderland Bendigo

Due to popular demand, Electric Wonderland is returning to Bendigo’s historic Rosalind Park in 2025.

Electric Wonderland is dynamic collection of light and sound installations through which visitors undertake a journey style experience. This unique show is focused on interactivity, immersive experiences and creating amazing photo opportunities.

Rug up and enjoy starry winter evenings exploring the visually spectacular world of sound, light and colour. Electric Wonderland promises to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Lightscape Melbourne

Step into a world of wonder as the all-new Lightscape returns to Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne this winter. New sights, new sounds - a whole new journey. Whether it’s your first visit or a returning tradition, Lightscape promises an unforgettable night out.

This winter, Melbourne’s award-winning immersive light experience transforms Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne into a mesmerising display of more than 20 brand-new illuminations. Wander through glowing floral canopies, marvel at the stunning ‘Effervescence’, and lose yourself in a landscape reimagined with artistic lighting and immersive soundscapes.

River Lights Swan Hill

Winter Wonderlights Festival

The Winter Wonderlights event at Sovereign Hill, running throughout July, transforms the historic streets into a glittering wonderland.

By day, visitors can enjoy classic Sovereign Hill experiences like coach rides and gold panning. As night falls, the event features stunning light projections, music, wintry treats, and a magical winter glow.

Ticket options include full-day access, night-only sessions, and a VIP Rebellion Pass for an exclusive experience. The event offers a unique blend of history and festive winter charm, making it a must-visit for families and individuals alike.

Trail of Lights Mildura

This event in Mildura features Bruce Munro's stunning art installation, Trail of Lights. This installation transforms Lock Island with 12,500 firefly lights and 'Gone Fishing' sculptures, creating a mesmerizing space for introspection and wonder.

The firefly lights illuminate the area, providing a magical ambiance, while the sculptures add an artistic touch to the natural surroundings.

Visitors can experience the beauty of light art in a serene environment, making it a unique and captivating attraction.

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

Want to see more from us?

Follow our LinkedIn page and YouTube channel for more videos and industry news.

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

Worker Member Newsletter: Edition 2 2025

Worker Member Newsletter: Edition 2 2025

LeavePlus Loop Newsletter

Made For Members

LeavePlus Loop Newsletter

Made For Members

Checked your service lately?

Checked your service lately?

LEAVEPLUS KEY MILESTONES

FINANCE & INVESTMENT UPDATE

Asset Classes

Alternatives 9.85%

$186M

$231M

MEMBER SERVICES UPDATE

LEGAL & COMPLIANCE UPDATE

Your Questions Answered

Who pays for apprentices?

Can I leave the industry and rejoin later?

How has the Fund been performing?

BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION UPDATE

BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION UPDATE

+ NEW CLAIM FORM: EXPANDED RELEASE

+ NEW RETURNS FUNCTIONS

+ ID VERIFICATION TECHNOLOGY

+ NEW CLAIM FORM: EXPANDED RELEASE

+ NEW RETURNS FUNCTIONS

+ ID VERIFICATION TECHNOLOGY

Workplace Wellness

Rest isn't a luxury - it's essential

A quick nap can do wonders

Laughter and connection

METRO TUNNEL VISIT

METRO TUNNEL VISIT

PUBLIC TRANSPORT UPGRADES

+ MODERN PLATFORM FEATURES

+ SMART DESIGN

+ ART AND COLOUR

PUBLIC TRANSPORT UPGRADES

+ MODERN PLATFORM FEATURES

+ SMART DESIGN

+ ART AND COLOUR

OFFICE TRANSFORMATION COMPLETED

OFFICE TRANSFORMATION COMPLETED

UPPER OFFICE LEVELS

+ CONNECTED TEAMS

+ MULTI-USE SPACES

+ HYRBID WORKING FACILITIES

UPPER OFFICE LEVELS

+ CONNECTED TEAMS

+ MULTI-USE SPACES

+ HYBRID WORKING FACILITIES

LEAVEPLUS VOLUNTEER WORK

LEAVEPLUS VOLUNTEER WORK

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Winter DeLIGHTS

Winter DeLIGHTS

East Gippsland Winter Fest

Electric Wonderland Bendigo

Lightscape Melbourne

River Lights Swan Hill

Winter Wonderlights Festival

Trail of Lights Mildura

Want to see more from us?