FOR EMPLOYERS IN THE VICTORIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Celebrating 50 Years Serving The Construction Industry
LeavePlus is celebrating 50 years serving the construction industry. Since 1976, we’ve ensured construction workers receive the benefits of the portable long service leave they deserve.
Through every iteration of our company, from CoINVEST to LeavePlus today, we’re proud of supporting the Victorian construction industry for 50 years and look forward to marking this exciting milestone throughout 2026.
I’d also like to acknowledge what’s happening on the other side of the world. The war has cast a shadow over the start of the year, and my heart goes out to the families and friends affected.
Closer to home, global uncertainty has influenced markets. With a long-term investment horizon, the Fund is set up to cope with volatile times such as these and remains in a strong position. Our Funding Ratio continues to remain above our 120% target in this current period of geopolitical instability.
On the operational front, our digital transformation program is reaching a significant milestone with the implementation of a new case management system, enabling our teams to improve how we communicate with members and to operate more efficiently.
And as you’ll read below, it’s also been a landmark period for LeavePlus as a regulator. We’ve officially launched our Regulatory Objectives, setting out clearly who we are and what the industry can expect from us.
Craig Bell
Chief Executive Officer, LeavePlus
LeavePlus Updates
Let’s take a look at some of the key messages and current talking points from LeavePlus.
Quarterly Returns Due 14 April
Quarterly Returns Due 14 April
It’s now time to submit your quarterly return for January-March 2026.
How to submit:
1. Log in to your LeavePlus portal
2. Click on Returns in the left menu
3. Open the current quarter’s return
4. Record your workers’ service details
5. Submit your return
Employers must submit returns by the due date. Penalties and interest charges may apply for late returns.
Know someone else who should be registered?
Share this newsletter with them!
50 Years of Long Service Leave
This year, LeavePlus turns 50
Since 1976, we’ve been making sure construction workers across Victoria get the long service leave they’ve earned.
That’s five decades of payments processed, entitlements protected, and workers supported through every stage of their careers.
From our early days as CoINVEST to LeavePlus today, we’re here to support the vitality of Victoria’s construction industry.
As we mark this milestone throughout 2026, we want to acknowledge what it really represents — 50 years of skilled men and women building Victoria with a scheme built to look after them in return.
Here’s to the next 50.
WE'VE LAUNCHED OUR REGULATORY OBJECTIVES
WE'VE LAUNCHED OUR REGULATORY OBJECTIVES
LeavePlus has officially launched its Regulatory Objectives. These clearly and succinctly explain our role as regulator of the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Scheme in Victoria.
These four objectives anchor everything we do:
+ Protecting entitlements: Construction workers in Victoria are entitled to portable long service leave. LeavePlus will make sure they get paid when they take it.
+ Support to comply: We support employers to meet their obligations. If they refuse, we enforce the law.
+ Fair and firm enforcement: Our enforcement is firm but proportionate.
+ Independent and transparent regulation: We promote trust by operating transparently and independently.
REGULATORY OBJECTIVES IN ACTION
REGULATORY OBJECTIVES IN ACTION
EnergyAustralia Yallourn Pty Ltd and Detector Inspector (Vic) Pty Ltd
We have updates on two court cases between LeavePlus and employers in the construction industry.
In the first case, a dispute had arisen between EnergyAustralia Yallourn Pty Ltd and LeavePlus as to whether Energy Australia’s workers who maintained the Yallourn Power Station were covered by the LeavePlus scheme. Energy Australia applied to the Supreme Court of Victoria for orders resolving the dispute on the basis, as an energy producer, it was not in the construction industry.
In the second case, Detector Inspector (Vic) Pty Ltd disputed that its gas fitters, electricians and smoke detector technicians employed in the company’s business of carrying out safety checks and maintenance of smoke alarms and other equipment were covered by the LeavePlus scheme. It argued the scheme rules LeavePlus had relied on were invalid. LeavePlus disagreed. Detector Inspector applied to the Supreme Court for orders resolving the dispute.
On 25 March 2025, Watson J of the Supreme Court of Victoria found in LeavePlus’ favour in both cases. Both employers appealed from his Honour’s decision in their case.
Update:
On 17 March 2026 Detector Inspector discontinued its appeal. As a result, Watson J’s decision is preserved.
Energy Australia’s appeal was heard before Emerton P, McLeish and Richards JJA on Tuesday 17 March 2026. Their Honours will make their decision and publish it later.
LIFT AND ESCALATOR COVERAGE FROM 1 JULY 2026
LIFT AND ESCALATOR COVERAGE FROM 1 JULY 2026
From 1 July 2026, all lift (elevator) and escalator repair and maintenance work will be covered by the construction industry portable long service leave scheme.
This change, approved by the Victorian Government, brings maintenance and repair work in line with installation and refurbishment work, which has been covered since 1978.
From 1 July, employers with workers performing this work must register with LeavePlus (if not already), report service quarterly, and pay long service leave charges.
We have created a help page to guide you through the changes.
GIVE YOUR WORKERS A HEADS UP BEORE FINANCIAL YEAR END
GIVE YOUR WORKERS A HEADS UP FOR EOFY
The end of financial year is approaching. Workers who want to apply for long service leave soon need to time their claim submission.
Payments before 30 June: Workers should submit their claim as early as possible for the best chance of being paid before the end of the 26/27 financial year.
Payments after 1 July: Workers should submit their claim on or after 1 July for payment to occur in the 26/27 financial year.
*Timing of claims can have an effect on workers’ taxable income.
SUPPORTING APPRENTICES FROM DAY ONE
SUPPORTING APPRENTICES FROM DAY ONE
Apprentices are the future of Victoria’s construction industry — and we make sure their service counts from the very start.
From the first day of an apprenticeship, we recognise time spent working and learning, including trade school days, and count it toward long service leave. Importantly, employers are not required to pay long service leave charges for apprentice service.
By recognising apprentices’ contributions without adding costs for employers, LeavePlus supports training, fairness, and a stronger construction industry for the future.
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
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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.