Industry Newsletter: Edition 1 2025
LeavePlus
Insights
Your biannual newsletter offering insights into Victoria's construction industry long service leave scheme.
Welcome to LeavePlus Insights Edition 1 2025 – giving industry stakeholders the inside track on all the news and developments in and around Victoria’s construction industry long service leave scheme.
The first half of 2025 has seen a flurry of projects coming to completion. Most notably, we have opened our new Member Centre and moved into our newly refurbished office at 478 Albert St.
SHAPE Builders have spent the best part of a year bringing to life the vision designed by FutureSpace to transform the LeavePlus office. The objective was to create compelling experiences in spaces that foster collaboration and community, and ultimately bring people together. We are confident that this vision has been expertly executed, and we are eager to share the final result with you. We look forward to showcasing the key features of our new Member Centre in our video tour below.
We are proud to share a landmark victory in the Supreme Court of Victoria that has ruled in favour of LeavePlus in two key legal cases, Detector Inspector v LeavePlus and EnergyAustralia v LeavePlus. These rulings provide clarity on the broad definition of ‘construction industry’ under Victoria’s portable long service leave scheme, confirming our interpretation of the law, and reinforcing the existing scope of the scheme.
Additionally, we have launched our new claim form, offering a simplified and improved process for our worker and working sub-contractor members to claim their long service leave benefit. This latest product release is a major milestone in our Business Transformation Project, which is delivering incremental value as we enhance our processes and systems to significantly improve member experience. Our vision is to be the best operator of a portable entitlement scheme. With each major project milestone that is delivered, we take another progressive step in the direction of this vision.
Craig Bell
Chief Executive Officer – LeavePlus
Explore our story
EXPLORE LEAVEPLUS
Since 1976, we have been proudly supporting members of the construction industry to take their well-earned break by providing portable long service leave.
LANDMARK COURT VICTORY
LANDMARK COURT VICTORY
We are pleased to announce a significant legal victory in the Supreme Court of Victoria, which has ruled in favour of LeavePlus in two pivotal cases: Detector Inspector v LeavePlus and EnergyAustralia v LeavePlus. These rulings provide clarity on what constitutes ‘construction work’ under Victoria’s portable long service leave scheme.
This decision strengthens workers’ rights, confirms our interpretation of the Act, and reinforces the existing broad definition of ‘construction industry’ that includes sectors like energy, property maintenance, and telecommunications; if employees perform ‘construction work’, regardless of industry, their employer must comply with the rules of the scheme.
We remain committed to educating employers about their obligations, empowering both employers and workers to report and track their service, and ensuring workers receive their well-earned long service leave entitlements. For those employers who persist in failing to comply, we will continue to take enforcement action to uphold fairness and accountability across the construction industry.
We have published our Decision Impact Statement to help guide you through the judgments and their impacts. EnergyAustralia and Detector Inspector have lodged applications for special leave to appeal.
We are pleased to announce a significant legal victory in the Supreme Court of Victoria, which has ruled in favour of LeavePlus in two pivotal cases: Detector Inspector v LeavePlus and EnergyAustralia v LeavePlus. These rulings provide clarity on what constitutes ‘construction work’ under Victoria’s portable long service leave scheme.
This decision strengthens workers’ rights, confirms our interpretation of the Act, and reinforces the existing broad definition of ‘construction industry’ that includes sectors like energy, property maintenance, and telecommunications; if employees perform ‘construction work’, regardless of industry, their employer must comply with the rules of the scheme.
We remain committed to educating employers about their obligations, empowering both employers and workers to report and track their service, and ensuring workers receive their well-earned long service leave entitlements. For those employers who persist in failing to comply, we will continue to take enforcement action to uphold fairness and accountability across the construction industry.
We have published our Decision Impact Statement to help guide you through the judgments and their impacts. EnergyAustralia and Detector Inspector have lodged applications for special leave to appeal.
LIFT-OFF FOR OUR IMPROVED CLAIM FORM
LIFT-OFF FOR OUR IMPROVED CLAIM FORM
We’re thrilled to have launched our new and improved claim form. Our Business Transformation Project’s top priority is improving user experience. The new claim form is our first product release as part of this journey.
Since launching the new form in April, we have been able to gather great feedback from members. This has helped us to design even more new features and improvements for future releases. This agile approach allows us to provide incremental value to users. By responding quickly, we have been able to address their needs in real time.
+ MODERN LOOK
The form has a new modern look, complete with updated LeavePlus branding and a cleaner layout.
+ MODERN FEEL
We’ve simplified the process with easy-to-follow steps and user-friendly instructions. Instead of one long form, we’ve now condensed each step into new sections with clear headings and guidance text for ease of use.
+ MODERN FEATURES
We have included new features such as pre-populating members’ information into the form, real-time checks, pop-up boxes and tool-tips to make the application easier to complete.
We’re thrilled to have launched our new and improved claim form. Our Business Transformation Project’s top priority is improving user experience. The new claim form is our first product release as part of this journey.
Since launching the new form in April, we have been able to gather great feedback from members. This has helped us to design even more new features and improvements for future releases. This agile approach allows us to provide incremental value to users. By responding quickly, we have been able to address their needs in real time.
+ MODERN LOOK
The form has a new modern look, complete with updated LeavePlus branding and a cleaner layout.
+ MODERN FEEL
We’ve simplified the process with easy-to-follow steps and user-friendly instructions. Instead of one long form, we’ve now condensed each step into new sections with clear headings and guidance text for ease of use.
+ MODERN FEATURES
We have included new features such as pre-populating members’ information into the form, real-time checks, pop-up boxes and tool-tips to make the application easier to complete.
OFFICE TRANSFORMATION COMPLETED
OFFICE TRANSFORMATION COMPLETED
NEW MEMBER CENTRE
In April 2024, work began on refurbishing the ground floor area at 478 Albert St, East Melbourne. Futurespace was entrusted with design development. The objective was to create compelling experiences in spaces that foster collaboration. The ultimate aim being to bring our community together in a welcoming environment.
SHAPE was appointed as the contractor responsible for bringing this vision to life. Working tirelessly over the last year, SHAPE have delivered a stunning new space. We’re thrilled to share the final result with you. Let’s take you through some of the key features of our new member centre.
+ ATRIUM SPACE
We extended the recessed ground floor facade of the building to meet the profile of the floors above. This now creates a uniform footprint and facade for the whole building. It has transformed the underutilised vertical space to create an inviting atrium. With comfy lounge chairs amongst lush greenery and natural finishes, members and guests alike can relax in comfort.
+ MEMBER LOUNGE
We know that not every query can be handled over the phone or online. So we wanted to create an inviting space where our members can come when they need extra support. The lounge areas and open meeting spaces provide a relaxed setting. LeavePlus staff can sit down with our members and help resolve any queries together.
+ CONFERENCE FACILITIES
We have opened up the space to new possibilities by carving out new windows from the concrete walls. The rear part of the member centre now houses multi-use conference rooms. The spaces are big enough for education sessions and seminars for our members. The conference facilities feature retractable projector screens and presenter-tracking cameras. There are also directional microphones to ensure high quality presentations.
UPPER OFFICE LEVELS
Refurbishment of the upper office levels coincided with the ground floor renovation. Three of the seven floors of the building were taken back to base. This provided a blank canvas and an opportunity for SHAPE to create new working spaces.
+ 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. The space can accommodate 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.
NEW MEMBER CENTRE
In April 2024, work began on refurbishing the ground floor tenancy of our home at 478 Albert St, East Melbourne. Futurespace was entrusted with design development, working closely with LeavePlus to achieve the objectives of creating compelling experiences in spaces that foster collaboration and community, and ultimately bring people together.
SHAPE was appointed as the contractor responsible for bringing this vision to life, working tirelessly over the last year to deliver a stunning new space. We’re thrilled to share the final result with you and take you through some of the key features of our new member centre.
+ ATRIUM SPACE
We’ve extended the previously recessed ground floor facade of the building to meet the profile of the floors above. This now creates a uniform footprint and facade for the whole building. It has transformed the previously underutilised vertical space to create an inviting atrium. With comfy lounge chairs nestled in amongst lush greenery and natural finishes, members and guests alike can relax in comfort when visiting LeavePlus.
+ MEMBER LOUNGE
We know that not every query can be handled over the phone or online. So we wanted to create an inviting space where our members can come to speak with us directly when they need extra support. The lounge areas and open meeting spaces provide a relaxed setting where LeavePlus staff can sit down with our members and help resolve any queries together.
+ CONFERENCE FACILITIES
Carving out space for windows from the external concrete walls has opened up the space to new possibilities. The rear part of the member centre has now been converted into multi-use conference rooms and function spaces big enough to accommodate education sessions and seminars for our Employer and Worker members. The conference facilities feature retractable projector screens, presenter-tracking cameras, and directional microphones to ensure high quality presentations for both in person and online attendees.
UPPER OFFICE LEVELS
Refurbishment of the upper office levels of 478 Albert St occurred in tandem with the ground floor renovation. Multiple floors of the building were taken back to base, providing a blank canvas and an opportunity for SHAPE to create the types of working spaces which were previously not available.
+ 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.
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION UPDATE
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
LeavePlus acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
- 478 Albert St, East Melbourne
- 1300 264 683
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