Worker Member Newsletter: Edition 2 2026
The latest news from Victoria’s portable long service leave scheme for the construction industry.
Worker Member Newsletter: Edition 2 2026
The latest news from Victoria's portable long service leave scheme for the construction industry.
50 YEARS STANDING WITH THE PEOPLE WHO BUILD VICTORIA
This year, LeavePlus turns 50. That’s five decades administering the portable long service leave scheme for the construction industry in Victoria, growing and protecting the fund, and making sure you get the leave you deserve.
Over the past 50 years, we have…
Welcomed over 850K workers to the scheme
Registered over 85K employers
Approved more than 350K claims
So, as we mark this milestone in our East Melbourne office where we have been for over 40 years, we want to say thank you.
You’re the people who built the Victoria we love, and who continue to shape the state in remarkable ways.
Here’s to another 50 years standing behind you.
“The people who build this state deserve a break. They always have. For fifty years, making sure they get it has been our purpose and our privilege.”
Craig Bell, CEO LeavePlus
THE HIGHLIGHTS
1975: After years of campaigning and industrial action, the Building Industry Long Service Leave Act was enacted in 1975. Construction workers finally have the same right to long service leave as everyone else.
1980: The organisation moves into 478 Albert Street in East Melbourne — the building that remains our home today. We surpass $1 million paid in benefits in that year.
1992: The name CoINVEST is adopted.
1997: CoINVEST privatises, with full responsibility for the Fund passed to us as Trustee.
2002: Launched online portal.
2016: In our 40th year of operation, total benefits paid under the scheme since creation surpass $1 billion.
2023: CoINVEST rebrands as LeavePlus
2024: Project Elevate, our digital transformation program, launches. Albert Street refurbishment commences.
2025: Albert Street refurbishment completed. The Member Centre opens.
2026: LeavePlus scheme celebrates 50 years being here for members.
WE'VE UPDATED OUR PRIVACY POLICY
We’ve made some updates our Privacy Policy to be transparent about the data we collect, how we use and protect your data, and to reflect our evolving business processes.
WHAT HAS BEEN UPDATED?
+ We have clarified what personal data we collect and why.
+ We have added clearer information about digital tools and technologies, including cookies, analytics, personalisation, and our use of AI and computer assisted decision making tools.
+ We have improved transparency around how we may share your data with trusted third parties and where they are located to support core business activities, such as employer compliance checks, identity verification or company look up services.
+ We’ve changed the information included in employer compliance checks so that authorised users can see all workers on a return in order to verify that service is being reported correctly for everyone.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?
You do not need to take any action, but we encourage you to read the updated Privacy Policy to stay informed.
WHAT'S AHEAD FOR LEAVEPLUS
WHAT'S AHEAD FOR LEAVEPLUS
We’re continuing to improve the way we support members with technology upgrades that are already helping us process claims faster and deliver a smoother experience.
There’s more work underway, and while some changes are happening behind the scenes, each planned improvement is helping us to build a stronger, more connected service for workers and employers.
+ RELEASED: FASTER CLAIMS PROCESSING
Recent technology upgrades for our member support and case management teams are helping us improve processing times for claims and enquiries.
These changes connect more of our systems and give our teams better tools to manage member interactions, track progress and respond more efficiently. It’s an important step in creating a simpler, faster and more consistent experience with LeavePlus.
+ IN DEVELOPMENT: UPGRADED RETURNS
We’re improving the returns process to make it easier for employers to complete and manage returns. Feedback from our industry members is helping shape the upgrades, so the process is clearer, simpler and more useful.
These changes will also help workers stay better informed, with more timely updates when employers report service for their workers.
We’re continuing to improve the way we support members with technology upgrades that are already helping us process claims faster and deliver a smoother experience.
There’s more work underway, and while some changes are happening behind the scenes, each planned improvement is helping us to build a stronger, more connected service for workers and employers.
+ RELEASED: FASTER CLAIMS PROCESSING
Recent technology upgrades for our member support and case management teams are helping us improve processing times for claims and enquiries.
These changes connect more of our systems and give our teams better tools to manage member interactions, track progress and respond more efficiently. It’s an important step in creating a simpler, faster and more consistent experience with LeavePlus.
+ IN DEVELOPMENT: UPGRADED RETURNS
We’re improving the returns process to make it easier for employers to complete and manage returns. Feedback from our industry members is helping shape the upgrades, so the process is clearer, simpler and more useful.
These changes will also help workers stay better informed, with more timely updates when employers report service for their workers.
LIFT AND ESCALATOR COVERAGE
LIFT AND ESCALATOR COVERAGE
In consultation with industry bodies and the Victorian government, the coverage of the LeavePlus scheme can expand to include new types of work. Here’s a reminder about upcoming changes to the scheme rules which welcomes additional work relating to lifts and escalators into the coverage of the scheme.
+ REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
While installation of lifts and escalators is already covered under the rules, repair and maintenance will also be welcomed into the LeavePlus scheme.
+ CHANGES FROM 1 JULY 2026
Effective 1 July 2026, repair and maintenance of lifts and escalators is covered. This means that any service relating to this type of work will first be reported by your employer in October 2026 for the Jul-Sep 2026 quarter.
+ QUESTIONS AND QUERIES
If you want further clarity about these changes and what it means for your or your employer, simply read our helpful guide.
In consultation with industry bodies and the Victorian government, the coverage of the LeavePlus scheme can expand to include new types of work. Here’s a reminder about upcoming changes to the scheme rules which welcomes additional work relating to lifts and escalators into the coverage of the scheme.
+ REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
While installation of lifts and escalators is already covered under the rules, repair and maintenance will also be welcomed into the LeavePlus scheme.
+ CHANGES FROM 1 JULY 2026
Effective 1 July 2026, repair and maintenance of lifts and escalators is covered. This means that any service relating to this type of work will first be reported by your employer in October 2026 for the Jul-Sep 2026 quarter.
+ QUESTIONS AND QUERIES
If you want further clarity about these changes and what it means for your or your employer, simply read our helpful guide.
LEAVEPLUS PERFORMANCE
LeavePlus has experienced another standout year of performance. We’re thrilled to take you through our highlights.
FINANCE & INVESTMENT
The Finance & Investment department ensures the Fund remains robust and our investments are working to benefit our members.
Funding ratio (assets to liabilities) as at 31 May 2026
%
Year to date return to the Fund at 31 May 2026
%
Funds under management as at 31 May 2026
$
B
Asset Classes
Portfolio structure comprises 80% growth assets and 20% defensive assets
Equities
The best performing asset of the July 2025 to May 2026 period was Equities, with a return of 5.97%
$244.9M
Paid to members in long service leave benefit claims in the July 2025 to May 2026 period
$275.3M
Contributed to the Fund in in Long Service Leave Charges in the period July 2025 to May 2026
MEMBER SERVICES
Around 70,000 of our nearly 300,000 members are currently eligible to claim long service leave through LeavePlus. Member enquiries and interactions typically rise in tandem with key periods of the year, such as holidays and end of financial year.
No matter the demand, our service remains guided by our purpose, ‘Here For Members’—putting our members at the centre of everything we do.
15,201 LSL benefits paid
Through our peak periods, we saw a huge uptake in applications to claim a long service leave benefit between September 2025 and March 2026.
$151M paid in benefits
The September 2025 to March 2026 period saw a large amount of long service leave benefit payments, averaging more than $21M per month.
38,331 calls taken
A high volume of phone calls were handled by our member response team in the September 2025 to March 2026 period, with an average of over 5,400 per month.
LEGAL & COMPLIANCE
The Legal and Compliance department plays an important role at LeavePlus. It helps ensure members follow the Act and scheme rules.
The teams register employers, explain their responsibilities, and work with them to make sure returns are submitted and payment of long service leave charges are made on time.
Unpaid & Late Charges Recovered
Our Employer Obligations team made over 19,000 calls in the September 2025 to March 2026 period, resulting in payment of millions of dollars in long service leave charges to LeavePlus.
4,175 employers registered
The Registrations team launched several outreach campaigns in the September 2025 to March 2026 period. More than 4,000 employers registered with LeavePlus in that time, with the Registrations team helping them understand their long service leave obligations.
2,271 cases resolved
The Service Investigations team resolved a huge number of cases in the September 2025 to March 2026 period, recovering missing service for members linked to non-compliant employers in Victoria.
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.
LEGAL APPEAL DECISION IMPACTS
LEGAL APPEAL DECISION IMPACTS
In 2026 we celebrate 50 years since the scheme was first introduced in 1976. Let’s take a look back at the history of long service leave in Victoria.
UNIQUE ORIGINS: Long service leave started in Australia in the 1860s as a way for British workers to take a long boat trip back home to visit family. The standard thirteen weeks of leave gave them enough time to sail to England, stay for a few weeks, and travel back
REST AND REWARD: Over time, this turned into a reward for loyalty and a way to get a good rest after years of hard work. However, this rule left out construction workers. Because building relies on short-term project contracts, workers constantly switched bosses and could never stay with one employer long enough to get the leave.
A PORTABLE SCHEME: To fix this, Victoria introduced portable long service leave for construction in 1976. This system tracks your time across the entire building industry, ensuring your hard work follows you from job to job.
+ JUDGMENT SUPPORTS LEAVEPLUS
The scheme was originally installed and managed by the Victorian government in 1976 as the ‘Building Industry Long Service Leave Board’. In the 1990s the scheme was privatised, later changing its name to ‘CoINVEST’. In 2023 we then rebranded as LeavePlus to better represent our core purpose as Victoria’s portable long service leave scheme for the construction industry.
+ EXPANDING SCHEME COVERAGE
Originally set up for the building industry, the scheme later adopted additional trades, expanding coverage to electrical trades and metal trades.
In the 1990s states and territories also adopted national reciprocal agreements, allowing construction workers to continue building upon their service if they moved interstate.
+ TECHNOLOGY IN A CHANGING WORLD
Starting with paper forms and filing cabinets, moving through the digital dawn of the internet, and now into the age of artificial intelligence – the way we work has changed a lot in 50 years. But our mission remains the same – to provide Victoria’s construction industry workers with a well-earned break when they need it most.
Workplace Wellness
It's vital to take care of your physical and mental wellbeing. But it's even more important during the darker winter months. Here are our top preventive wellbeing tips to keep your mood warm and bright, even if the weather is the opposite:
Hydrate for performance
On a busy construction site, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water—but staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to look after your wellbeing.
Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches and reduced focus—things that can impact both your safety and performance on the job. Even mild dehydration can make physically demanding work feel even tougher.
Make it a habit to drink regularly throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty. Keeping a water bottle nearby is a simple way to stay on track. Small actions like this help you stay alert, energised and ready for the day ahead.
Speak up, look out for each other
A strong worksite is one where everyone looks out for each other. If something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s a safety concern or how you’re feeling—don’t keep it to yourself.
Open conversations build trust, reduce stress and help prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems. Checking in with your mates can make a real difference, especially during busy or high-pressure periods.
You’re never on your own. A quick chat can go a long way in keeping everyone safer and more supported.
Switch off to recharge
After a full day on site, giving yourself time to properly switch off is just as important as the work itself. Constantly pushing without downtime can lead to burnout and ongoing fatigue.
Whether it’s spending time with family, getting outside, or doing something you enjoy, making space to unwind helps your body and mind recover. Quality sleep also plays a key role in staying safe and performing well at work.
Ensuring that you have sufficient recovery time will help you to come back stronger each day.
Winter Warmers
Many might be tempted to seek sunnier climates during the colder months. But this winter, Victoria is illuminated with various festivals celebrating the dark with expressive light installations. Here are six of our favourite winter-light events happening around our state which are perfect to fit into a winter break.
Winter Warmers
Many might be tempted to seek sunnier climates during the colder months. But this winter, Victoria is illuminated with various festivals celebrating the dark with expressive light installations. Here are six of our favourite winter-light events happening around our state which are perfect to fit into a winter break.
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 2026.
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
Journey through the Pioneer Settlement and immerse yourself in unforgettable and vibrant night-time activations.
Through a series of colourful, bold immersive and engaging light art installations, the night-time light-scape elevates the appearance of the spectacular site.
These multiple artistic projections and soundscapes are sure to excite the senses; so bring the entire family to 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.
- 478 Albert St, East Melbourne
- 1300 264 683
- Contact Us
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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.