Your biannual newsletter offering insights into Victoria's construction industry long service leave scheme.
Welcome to LeavePlus Insights Edition 2 2025 – your inside track on news and developments in Victoria’s construction industry long service leave scheme.
As we close out 2025, we want to thank our stakeholders around the industry for your continued support of the LeavePlus scheme. In FY2025, we paid a record $241 million in benefits to construction workers and registered more workers than ever before – 257,738 in total across Victoria. Your support and advocacy around the construction industry helps ensure construction workers can take a paid, well-earned break, coming back refreshed, which in turn supports the vitality of the construction industry.
This past year saw significant progress in our journey to becoming a modern, digital regulator. We strengthened our compliance capabilities with an in-house litigation team and secured two landmark Supreme Court rulings that further clarified employer obligations and the broad scope of the scheme.
In the coming year, our priority will be to make compliance easier for employers through smarter digital solutions that will streamline employer registration and simplify quarterly returns. Less admin for businesses, better outcomes for workers.
With our annual report having been recently published, this edition of LeavePlus Insights showcases some the highlights of FY2025. As well as an update on our Business Transformation project, we also bring you an update from each department at LeavePlus, as well as our Year In Review video.
We appreciate your ongoing support in making portable long service leave a much-valued benefit for Victoria’s construction industry. I thank the board of Directors for their guidance, and our team of dedicated staff at LeavePlus who have ensured that we are able to close out 2025 on a high note.
Craig Bell
Chief Executive Officer – 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.
FY2025 marked another leap forward in our journey to becoming a modern, digital regulator. This year, we delivered outstanding results for the scheme and the workers that it supports. Watch our year in review.
It has been another important year in the delivery of our multi-year business transformation program. The focus in FY25 was on strengthening our foundations by replacing legacy platforms, improving core processes and building modern digital solutions to better support members and employers.
Throughout the year, we designed, developed and tested several new tools with existing users. These included a new digital claims form, which makes it easier for workers to claim long service leave, and a redesigned employer returns form that uses real-time validation to improve data accuracy and reduce follow-ups and rework. We also reviewed how the scheme operates and identified ways we can improve our role as a regulator, with a focus on efficiency, transparency and user experience.
In FY26, our business transformation will move from testing to broader rollout, with a stronger focus on improving speed, access and support for workers and employers. Claims will be processed more quickly, supported by streamlined workflows that reduce wait times. Employer invoices will be generated faster, enabling near real-time payment and improved cash flow visibility. The returns process will also be further simplified to make both quarterly and one-off submissions easier to complete.
A key milestone will be the launch of a new mobile app, giving workers instant access to their account straight from their device. We will also introduce clearer tools and guidance to support employers in navigating complex coverage rules and meeting their obligations confidently.
In addition, enhanced support channels will be introduced to better assist workers and employers with resolving issues such as missing service.
Together, these updates will help deliver a more efficient, user-friendly and future-ready LeavePlus experience.
LeavePlus continues to strengthen its position as the leading operator of the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Scheme. This year saw significant progress in enhancing member services and operational efficiency, supported by ongoing business transformation initiatives.
Improvements to digital platforms and streamlined processes have delivered a better experience for employers and workers alike. On the Fund side, disciplined financial management and a robust investment strategy have ensured strong performance and long-term sustainability.
The Fund remains well-positioned to meet its obligations, with continued growth reinforcing confidence in its stability. These achievements reflect LeavePlus’s commitment to protecting entitlements, driving innovation, and supporting the Victorian construction industry into the future.
Below are some of the high-level highlights of the achievements of the Scheme and the Fund from FY2025.
CALLS RECEIVED
EMAIL ENQUIRIES
ACTIONED
LONG SERVICE LEAVE
BENEFITS PAID
AVERAGE DAYS TO
PAY BENEFITS
NEW EMPLOYERS
REGISTERED
ACTIVE EMPLOYERS
REGISTERED
NEW WORKERS
REGISTERED
AVERAGE LONG SERVICE
LEAVE BENEFIT PAYMENT
AMOUNT
TOTAL LONG SERVICE
LEAVE CHARGES
COLLECTED
AVERAGE QUARTERLY LONG
SERVICE LEAVE CHARGE
PER WORKER
ACTIVE WORKERS
MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO
CLAIM A LONG SERVICE
LEAVE BENEFIT
The Legal and Compliance team plays a vital role in ensuring that LeavePlus continues to deliver on its responsibilities as the regulator of Victoria’s construction industry long service leave scheme. As a compulsory scheme, it is essential that both workers and employers understand their rights and obligations.
This includes employers being registered with LeavePlus, submitting quarterly returns, and paying long service leave charges in full and on time. The Legal and Compliance team works to support employers to meet these obligations and takes appropriate action when they do not.
Education and awareness of employers and workers in the construction industry remained a key focus. The Industry Engagement team attended 192 onsite toolbox sessions, engaging directly with more than 19,000 workers, and trained 101 union delegates in using our compliance checker tool to monitor employer compliance on construction sites.
We also partnered with RJ Sanderson & Associates and APM Apprenticeships to promote greater awareness of the LeavePlus scheme across the industry.
In FY25, LeavePlus achieved strong outcomes across all areas of compliance and enforcement. We processed a record 3,913 new employer registrations, up from 3,041 in FY24, following targeted campaigns in the bricklaying, carpentry, and electrical services sectors.
We created 74,396 quarterly returns for registered employers, an increase from 72,329 the previous year, and collected a significant increase in long service leave charges across the construction industry from $271.7M in FY24 to $307.4M in FY25.
We also partnered with the Victorian Government’s Fair Jobs Code Unit to assess the compliance of applicants seeking certification as government construction suppliers.
In enforcing compliance, 380 prosecutions were filed with the Magistrates Court against employers who failed to provide required return information under the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Act 1997, achieving a 100% conviction rate for all cases heard in FY25.
Our team resolved 3,695 missing service requests from workers, with 82% of cases closed within 90 days, a major improvement on the 67% achieved in FY24.
FY25 also saw two landmark legal victories in the Supreme Court of Victoria; EnergyAustralia Yallourn Pty Ltd v CoINVEST Limited [2025] VSC 100 and Detector Inspector (Vic) Pty Ltd v CoINVEST Limited [2025] VSC 135.
The decisions upheld LeavePlus’ interpretation of the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Act 1997 and reinforced the broad definition of construction work, confirming that workers in allied sectors such as energy and property maintenance are covered by the scheme. Both employers have sought leave to appeal, with hearings yet to be scheduled.
We strengthened our debt recovery efforts through a new partnership with National Mercantile and established an in-house civil recovery team to pursue unpaid long service leave charges once external collection efforts are exhausted.
Looking ahead, priorities for FY26 include launching employer education webinars, targeted registration campaigns for new employers, and re-launching the LeavePlus Enforcement Policy to clearly set out when enforcement action may be taken by LeavePlus.
We also plan to publish a register of convicted employers to promote transparency, educate the industry, and deter future non-compliance.
Through these initiatives, the Legal and Compliance team will continue to protect workers’ entitlements, promote fairness, and strengthen industry accountability.
This year marked a period of growth and renewal for our People and Culture team. We welcomed several new team members, including our Chief People Officer, who brought fresh leadership and ideas to strengthen our people strategy and culture. Significant work was undertaken to improve internal systems and processes, creating greater efficiency and a stronger foundation to support our workforce. A key milestone was embedding ELMO, our new Human Resources Information System, which is helping streamline operations, improve record management, and enhance the overall employee experience.
Learning and development continued to be a major focus throughout the year. We supported new employees and frontline teams through structured onboarding and ongoing professional development. This included company-wide programs such as Respect at Work and collaboration training, designed to build awareness, teamwork, and connection across our growing organisation.
We also launched Start Strong, a new probation program that helps new employees feel supported and guided during their first few months at LeavePlus. To make learning simpler and more accessible, all mandatory compliance training was transitioned into ELMO, creating a single, easy-to-navigate platform for professional growth.
This year saw the development of the LeavePlus Performance and Reward Model, which includes new Job Evaluation and Capability Frameworks.
These frameworks give employees a clear understanding of the skills and behaviours expected in their roles, how performance is recognised, and how career growth can be achieved.
This work is part of a long-term approach to building transparency, fairness, and alignment across the organisation. Implementation will continue into FY26 as we embed consistent and supportive performance practices.
The People team played a central role in supporting our business transformation. Working closely with leaders and teams, we focused on workforce planning, clarifying program roles, and developing the capabilities needed for success.
We introduced tailored learning pathways and creative communication initiatives, and we are building out our leadership development offering to continue strengthening capability across the organisation. These efforts strengthened collaboration, improved engagement, and built readiness for the new ways of working that will define the future of LeavePlus.
Attracting and retaining great people remained a key priority. We launched LaunchPad, a new monthly group recruitment program designed to attract, assess, and onboard talent for our member-facing teams. Recruitment processes were further improved with stronger safety and security checks, faster onboarding, and an enhanced candidate experience. A new assessment provider is also helping us track recruitment and retention trends, supporting a more data-driven approach to workforce planning.
Looking ahead, our focus will be on improving the employee journey from onboarding through to career progression, strengthening our employer brand, and embedding the culture and capability needed for a high-performing workforce ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of FY26.
In FY25, the Technology and Innovation team played a critical role in building stronger digital foundations for LeavePlus. These efforts not only enhanced how the organisation operates but also improved the experience for employers contributing to the scheme and workers accessing their Long Service Leave benefits. The year was defined by strengthening security, upgrading systems, leveraging data, and preparing for a digital future.
Protecting the privacy and security of our members remained a top priority. The team introduced new security tools, controls and practices that improved the monitoring and protection of member accounts and sensitive information. These enhancements help reduce the risk of data loss, increase resilience against cyber threats and give employers and workers greater confidence that their information is safe.
A major focus this year was modernising the platforms and systems that support LeavePlus’ day-to-day operations. These upgrades are making it easier for employers to submit contributions and for workers to access their entitlements. They also helped our staff work more efficiently by reducing manual tasks, improving system performance and creating a more reliable digital environment.
New data and analytics capabilities were established to provide deeper insights into scheme participation and emerging industry trends. By better understanding member behaviour and employer compliance patterns, LeavePlus can tailor services, improve regulatory oversight and support better strategic decision-making.
FY25 marked the beginning of LeavePlus’ journey toward becoming a truly modern digital regulator. The team introduced more agile ways of working, shifted towards member-centric digital service design, and encouraged greater transparency and collaboration across teams. This work lays the foundation for future transformation and innovation.
Looking ahead, FY26 will be a year of continued digital investment and expansion. With strong foundations now in place, Technology and Innovation will focus on:
• Expanding Secure Digital Services – Providing more secure, reliable and convenient online options for employers and workers, ensuring every digital interaction is trusted and protected.
• Making Member Experiences Easier – Simplifying and automating digital journeys so that processes, such as contributions and claims, are faster, more intuitive and user-friendly.
• Using Data to Improve Regulation – Enhancing data tools to enable proactive compliance insights, helping LeavePlus identify risks earlier, act with greater accuracy and uphold scheme integrity.
• Working Smarter Together – Embedding modern collaboration tools and delivery models to support continuous improvement, faster outcomes and better service to members.
FY25 marked the creation of the Product & Experience team, bringing Marketing, Product, and Member Services together under one strategic mandate. Led by the newly established Chief Product and Experience Officer, the team is focused on building a member-first culture and ensuring every initiative improves the experience and outcomes for workers and employers.
This year, we embedded a research-driven approach to product design, using member feedback to guide enhancements and build greater trust and satisfaction.
We delivered key service foundations, including digital ID verification for faster and more secure identity checks, and streamlined the employer returns form. We also launched a new online claims experience to make applying for long service leave benefits simpler and more intuitive. Additional improvements, such as the ability to upload payslips and new features to support worker subcontractors, are planned for release in 2026.
Member satisfaction remained strong, consistently above our 85% target and peaking at 89.7% in June. Service levels improved too, with faster call response times during peak periods and a Grade of Service high of 86.9% in May. Operational performance was equally strong: over 85% of claims were processed within 20 business days in most months, reaching 99% in December.
Building on this progress, we’re focused on making your experience with LeavePlus simpler and more intuitive. We’re refreshing our website to make it easier to navigate, clearer to understand, and more accessible—so you can quickly find what you need and manage your entitlements with confidence. We’re also improving the way we communicate, with clearer messages and more helpful online content, so you can get answers and take action without needing to pick up the phone.
We’re streamlining digital services to make registering, claiming, and managing your long service leave faster and easier. At the same time, we’re working with employers to ensure every eligible worker is registered and their rights are protected. These changes are all about giving you more control, reducing complexity, and making LeavePlus a modern, member-focused service.
In FY25, LeavePlus completed a comprehensive review of its investment consultant, reflecting our commitment to strong governance and long-term sustainability. Following a thorough Request for Proposal process led by Deloitte, and extensive evaluation by Management and the Investment Committee, LeavePlus appointed JANA Investment Advisers as its new investment consultant, effective October 2024.
This appointment marks a significant milestone for the Fund. JANA brings deep expertise in liability-driven investment strategies, strong ESG capabilities, and a proven track record advising some of Australia’s largest institutional investors. The transition from our long-standing consultant was underpinned by a rigorous due diligence process.
Partnering with JANA will help ensure members’ entitlements are backed by a resilient, well-managed investment portfolio that continues to grow securely for the future.
During the year, the LeavePlus Board, with the support of our new investment consultant JANA, reviewed and updated the Fund’s investment beliefs. These beliefs form the foundation of our investment strategy, guiding how we make decisions, manage risk, and deliver long-term outcomes for members.
The review confirmed that our current beliefs remain appropriate and aligned with our long-term objectives, while introducing some important refinements. In particular, a new belief on Risk Premium was added to ensure we only take risks where we have a strong conviction of being rewarded, and our belief on Diversification was sharpened to better reflect its role in improving risk-adjusted outcomes.
Updating our investment beliefs is a vital part of strong governance. It ensures the Fund remains clear on the principles that underpin how we invest members’ money and positions us to adapt confidently in an evolving investment landscape.
In FY25, LeavePlus undertook a comprehensive review of the Fund’s investment strategy with the support of our investment consultant, JANA. This review was an important step in ensuring our portfolio continues to balance long-term growth with prudent risk management, while remaining aligned with the Fund’s liabilities and objectives.
The outcome was an updated Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA), which increases exposure to equities and multi-credit investments, while reducing reliance on property and infrastructure. These changes modestly improve expected returns and strengthen the Fund’s ability to meet future member obligations, without altering our overall asset allocation of 80% growth and 20% defensive.
The revised strategy will be implemented progressively throughout FY2026, reinforcing LeavePlus’ commitment to safeguarding member entitlements, maintaining financial stability, and delivering sustainable investment outcomes over time.
During the year, LeavePlus appointed Mesirow as the Fund’s new currency overlay manager, responsible for managing foreign currency exposure.
This change enhances our ability to navigate currency fluctuations and ensures members’ money is managed with greater effectiveness. With Mesirow’s specialist expertise and global capabilities, the Fund is well placed to deliver stronger, more stable investment outcomes over the long term.
During the year, LeavePlus successfully established an Enterprise Project Management Office (ePMO) to strengthen our business capability and ensure the delivery of complex change and transformation initiatives.
The ePMO provides the frameworks, tools, and expertise needed to drive effective project execution, manage organisational change, share knowledge, and deliver valuable insights. By building this capability, LeavePlus is better equipped to manage our business transformation, improve decision-making, and support sustainable growth.
The ePMO is positioned as a key enabler across the organisation. It ensures that projects are aligned with strategy, risks are managed proactively, and benefits are realised for members and stakeholders. Through its role as Architects of Project Execution, Champions of Change, Guardians of Knowledge, and Miners of Insights, the ePMO helps turn vision into action, guides people through change, fosters continuous learning, and provides analysis to inform strategic choices.
This achievement represents an important investment in organisational excellence, building capability not only to deliver our current transformation program but also to strengthen LeavePlus’ capacity to respond to future opportunities and challenges.
During the year, LeavePlus completed a comprehensive review of our external audit arrangements to ensure we continue to meet the highest standards of financial governance and transparency. Following a competitive tender process, the Board and Members endorsed the appointment of
PwC as the Fund’s new external auditor, commencing with the audit for the year ending 30 June 2025. PwC was selected for its strong technical expertise, deep experience with entitlement schemes and asset management, and reputation as a Tier 1 audit firm.
This appointment reinforces LeavePlus’ commitment to strong governance, independent assurance, and accountability to members and stakeholders. PwC will audit the annual financial statements and directors’ remuneration disclosures, providing independent assurance that LeavePlus continues to operate with integrity and transparency.
As part of our focus on building stronger business capability, LeavePlus successfully implemented a new payroll system, ELMO, at the start of the year. This modern platform replaces legacy systems and streamlines payroll processing, providing greater accuracy, improved compliance, and a better experience for employees.
The Elmo system also improves reporting and integration with our wider HR and finance systems, ensuring that payroll data can be managed more efficiently and securely. By reducing manual processes and enhancing automation, the new system frees up staff time to focus on higher-value activities that support members and the business.
This achievement demonstrates LeavePlus’ commitment to investing in technology that strengthens our operations, supports our people, and underpins the delivery of long service leave benefits to the Victorian construction industry.
Last month, we released the LeavePlus Annual Report. Our annual report details how the scheme is performing and our priorities for the year ahead.
The fund delivered strong financial results this year, with a 10.35% investment return and continued growth across all key metrics.
LeavePlus acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
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