New laws to help coal workers access long service leave

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering long-overdue reforms to help more coal industry workers access the long service leave they’ve earned.

New legislation passed by the Parliament today strengthens the Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave) Scheme and recognises workers’ service to ensuring they receive their full entitlements. 

For too long, historical unpaid levies have left some workers out of the scheme. These changes fix that.

The reforms follow calls from industry and build on recent Federal Court decisions clarifying eligibility.

This will bring more workers into the scheme and ensure their service counts. Importantly, worker entitlements are fully protected with eligible workers receiving 100 per cent of their long service leave. 

Thousands of workers across major coal regions, including the Hunter, Illawarra, the NSW North Coast and Central Queensland are expected to benefit.

A limited-time incentive will support employers to come forward and resolve outstanding liabilities with a 20 per cent waiver on eligible long service leave levy debts, some dating back up to 15 years.

Workers are expected to begin accessing their entitlements from mid to late 2027, as employers finalise arrangements. 

The Coal LSL Corporation will work with employers and workers to roll out the changes.

More information can be found on the Coal LSL website: New Coal LSL legislation introduced to Parliament - Coal LSL

Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth:

“Coal industry workers have earned these entitlements and they deserve to get them.”

“We’re fixing a long-standing problem that has left too many workers missing out.”

“These reforms mean more workers will have their service recognised and their entitlements paid in full.”

“We’ve worked with industry and unions to deliver a practical, fair solution that supports workers and gives employers a clear path to do the right thing.”

[ENDS]